Language neutral plugin architectures

Question

I am looking at extending an existing application through the use of a plugin architecture. The application id written in Delphi, but I want to be able to implement various plugins in whatever language is best of the job. Currently we have skills in Delphi, C# and Java, and would like to be able to implement a plugin in whatever language is required.

Does anyone know of an example system that can be used to implement this ?

I am assuming that I could standardise on a particular COM interface and anything that implements that interface could be a plugin.

Does anyone have any pointers ?

Thanks

Answer 1

Here is a good overview of a COM-based plugin system that works in both Delphi and C++Builder:

Implementing a Plug-in Framework

Answer 2

For your C# plugin requirements, here is an example (from Rick Strahl) of hosting the .Net runtime in an unmanaged application (in this case FoxPro) and poking it via a COM interface:

http://www.west-wind.com/weblog/posts/104449.aspx

Answer 3

While I personaly haven't used it, RemObjects Hydra is a plugin framework designed to ease integration of Delphi and .NET.