How to Build a CMS Plugin
AdvancedQuick Answer
TL;DR
CMS plugins extend platform functionality with custom dashboards, workflow tools, third-party integrations, and custom field types. Build one by following the CMS plugin API, packaging your code as a distributable module (typically an npm package), and publishing to the CMS marketplace or installing privately. The plugin API varies by platform — Sanity uses React components and Sanity APIs distributed via npm.
Key Takeaways
- Plugins are packaged modules that hook into the CMS's extension points — tools, input components, document actions, dashboard widgets
- Follow the platform's plugin API exactly — undocumented internal APIs break on CMS upgrades
- Publish to npm for public distribution; install privately via `npm install ./path/to/plugin` for internal tools