I am developing an application that is designed to host other applications in a plug-in fashion. Our "application host," or shell, needs some way to determine what plug-in applications have been installed on the system. I've looked at using a configuration file with a custom section that maps the information we need on each application so that the host can interface with the application but we need some way for each application to add the necessary element and data when it is installed on the system. We also need it removed when the application is uninstalled.
I've looked at a number of examples and prototyped some ideas but so far nothing seems very graceful. And, rather than lead the witness by listing everything I've thought of or tried, I was hoping to solicit suggestions.
Essentially what I need to do is create a link to an application somewhere that the host can read it and use it. Any thoughts?!?
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