What is the difference between WeChat mini program components and plug-ins? how to use?

Table of contents

4. What is the difference between WeChat mini program components and plug-ins?

1. Introduction to WeChat Mini Programs

WeChat applet is an application based on the WeChat platform, which can be run directly within the WeChat client without downloading and installation. WeChat mini programs are lightweight, convenient, and cross-platform, providing users with a way to quickly obtain information and conveniently use services.

No need to download: WeChat mini programs do not require users to download and install them. They can be used directly by opening them in WeChat, and there is no problem of occupying mobile phone storage space.
Quick opening: WeChat applet starts quickly. Users can open it immediately by clicking on it in WeChat without waiting.
Cross-platform: WeChat mini programs support running on iOS and Android platforms, eliminating the need for separate development for different operating systems.
Convenient sharing: WeChat mini programs support the social sharing function of WeChat. Users can share mini programs with other users to facilitate dissemination and promotion.
Rich functions: WeChat mini programs provide rich functions and APIs, and developers can implement applications in various scenarios, such as online shopping, travel services, social sharing, news reading, etc.
Payment ability: WeChat payment function can be integrated into the WeChat mini program, and users can complete payment operations directly within the mini program.
Data sharing: WeChat mini programs can share data with other functions within WeChat, such as user login status, shared information, etc.

For developers, WeChat mini programs provide development tools, documents, sample codes and other resources, making developing mini programs easy and fast. Developers can use front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to develop, or they can use small program frameworks such as Vue.js, React, etc. to develop.

In general, WeChat applet is a convenient and fast application form, which provides users with more convenient services and functions, and also provides developers with more creative space.

2. WeChat Mini Program Components

WeChat mini programs provide a wealth of components that developers can use to build mini program pages and interactive effects.

View container components: view, scroll-view, swiper, movable-view, etc., used for layout and display of content.
Basic content components: text, icon, progress, rich-text, button, etc., used to display basic content such as text, icons, progress bars, etc.
Form components: form, input, textarea, switch, checkbox, radio, slider, picker, etc., used for user input and selection.
Navigation components: navigator, image, navigator, audio, video, etc., used for page jumps, picture display, audio and video playback, etc.
Media components: audio, video, camera, image, etc., used for audio and video playback and image processing.
Map component: map, used for map display and positioning.
Canvas component: canvas, used for drawing graphics and animations.
Basic content components: badge, tag, calendar, search-bar, etc., used to display the styles and functions of some basic content.
Open capability components: ad, open-data, web-view, etc., used to display advertisements, user information and web page views.
Page related components: page, app, template, etc., used to define pages, applications and templates.

These components can be flexibly combined to meet the needs of different pages. Developers can also extend and enhance through custom components and third-party components to achieve richer page effects and interactive functions.

In addition to components, WeChat mini programs also provide rich API interfaces for implementing various functions, such as network requests, device information, location positioning, payment, etc. Developers can choose appropriate components and API interfaces based on specific needs to develop a variety of mini program applications.

3. WeChat mini program plug-in

The WeChat mini program plug-in is an independent functional module that can be referenced and used in mini programs. Developers can integrate plug-ins into their own mini-programs to add new functions and services.

1. Independent development: Plug-ins have independent development and maintenance processes. Plug-in developers can use mini program development tools to develop and debug plug-ins.

2. Function expansion: Plug-ins can provide additional functions and services for mini programs, such as maps, audio and video, payment, advertising, etc. Developers can directly reference the components and APIs provided by the plug-in without developing corresponding functions themselves.

3. Security and controllability: Plug-in developers need to be audited and certified by WeChat to ensure the security and reliability of the plug-in. Developers need to obtain user authorization when citing plug-ins to ensure the security of user information and privacy.

4. Release management: After the plug-in development is completed, it needs to be submitted to WeChat for review. After passing the review, the plug-in will be published to WeChat’s plug-in market for use by other mini program developers.

5. Version update: Plug-in developers can update and upgrade the version of the plug-in to provide users with better experience and functions.

Common WeChat mini program plug-ins include map plug-ins, payment plug-ins, social sharing plug-ins, customer service plug-ins, etc. Developers can choose appropriate plug-ins according to their own needs, speed up development, and provide richer functions and services. At the same time, developers can also develop and publish plug-ins themselves to provide convenience and value to other small program developers.

4. What is the difference between WeChat mini program components and plug-ins?

There are some differences in functions and uses between WeChat applet components and plug-ins.

Component: Component is the basic building unit provided by the mini program and is used to build various parts of the mini program page. Components include basic components (such as view containers, form components, navigation components, etc.) and custom components (reusable components that developers can define and encapsulate themselves). Components can be used directly in mini program pages, or they can be nested and combined to build complex page structures. Developers can use the components provided by the mini program, or develop their own custom components to meet the needs of the mini program page.
Plugin: A plug-in is an independent functional module that can be referenced and used in mini programs. Plug-ins can provide additional functions and services for mini programs, such as maps, payments, advertising, etc. Plug-ins have independent development and maintenance processes, and plug-in developers can use mini program development tools to develop and debug plug-ins. Plug-ins need to be reviewed and certified by WeChat to ensure the security and reliability of the plug-in. Plug-ins can be directly referenced and used by other developers in mini programs to add new functions and services.

In general, components are the basic units for building mini program pages and are used for page display and interaction; plug-ins are independent functional modules that can provide additional functions and services for mini programs. Both components and plug-ins can improve development efficiency and extend the functions and services of mini programs, but there are some differences in functions and uses.