# Plugins

IDA’s capabilities can be significantly extended through programmable plugins. These plugins can automate routine tasks, for example, enhance the analysis of hostile code or add a specific functionality to our disassembler.

Plugins can be developed using:

* C++ using the IDA SDK, or
* Python via the IDAPython API.

Key capabilities:

* **Integration with hotkeys**: plugins can be linked to specific hotkeys or menu items for quick access
* **Access to the IDB**: they have full access to the IDA database, allowing them to examine or modify the program or use Input/Output functions.

## Where to find plugins

### Development resources

* **Examples included with IDA C++ SDK**: Our SDK contains **+60 sample plugins**, including decompiler plugins (you can find them all inside the SDK directory, in the `plugins` folder), as well as source code to processor modules, loaders, and header files. You can download the latest version of IDA SDK from Download Center in [My Hex-Rays portal](https://my.hex-rays.com/dashboard/download-center/downloads), under SDK and Utilities.

### Built-in plugins

* **Plugins shipped with your IDA instance**: Explore the `plugins` directory in your IDA installation folder for plugins shipped out-of-the-box. You can run them through **Edit -> Plugins** submenu or via hotkeys.
  * **Explore plugin docs**: Learn more about built-in plugins through [dedicated tutorials](/9.1/user-guide/plugins/plugins-shipped-with-ida.md)

### Community plugins

* **Hex-Rays plugins repository**: To access a vast collection of community-developed plugins, visit our [plugins repository](https://plugins.hex-rays.com/). Here, you can explore additional plugins you may want to install, submit your own, and even participate in our annual plugin contest.

## Creating your own plugins

### Getting started: Domain API

If you're new to IDA and plugin development, the high-level [Domain API](https://ida-domain.docs.hex-rays.com/) is the best place to begin. It provides a broad coverage for common tasks and simplifies scripting, helping you get up and running quickly.

#### General Domain API Documentation Resources

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Getting Started</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="https://ida-domain.docs.hex-rays.com/getting_started/">https://ida-domain.docs.hex-rays.com/getting_started/</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Examples</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="https://ida-domain.docs.hex-rays.com/examples/">https://ida-domain.docs.hex-rays.com/examples/</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Reference</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="https://ida-domain.docs.hex-rays.com/usage/">https://ida-domain.docs.hex-rays.com/usage/</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Advanced development: C++ and IDAPython SDK

Do you want to create advanced custom plugins and need more low-level control? Check our tutorials based on the language of your choice:

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Create plugins with C++</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/EARxnEg6rrluizHF2laE">/pages/EARxnEg6rrluizHF2laE</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Create plugins with IDAPython</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/cWqRkwdav29enBZZOA95">/pages/cWqRkwdav29enBZZOA95</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## What's next?

### Share your plugin with Hex-Rays community

Submit your plugin through [My Hex-Rays portal](https://my.hex-rays.com/dashboard/my-plugins) to have it listed in our official [plugins repository](https://plugins.hex-rays.com/). See our [submission guidelines](/9.1/user-guide/plugins/plugin-submission-guide.md) for the details.


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