Step-by-step how-to guide install the Python Plugin (PP) manager on a Raspberry Pi 4, with the latest Raspbian Buster image and Domoticz.

Until earlier, plugins in Domoticz where a bit of a nightmare. In some cases it still is, mostly because Domoticz is an ongoing project that is still being developed. and for the most part, it will always be a work in progress, as is the nature of most open source projects. But life got easier since 2018 with the Python V3 based Plugin Manager for Domoticz. This how-to article guides you true the installation of this great piece of software and how to use it.

This how-to is part of a bigger series of Domoticz how-to’s on sancla.com!

This tutorial has been verified with:
Domoticz 2020.1
Python Plugin Manager version 1.5.1

Prerequisites

Tested with

  • Raspbian Buster Lite 4.19, Februari 2020
  • Domoticz Stable 2020.1 (compile date 22-3-2020)
  • Domoticz Python plugin manager dated January 2th, 2020

Step 1: Preparation

Connect with SSH to your Domoticz installation and follow below instructions.

First, make sure that git is installed:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install git python3-pip -y

Next, make sure the correct Python library is installed on your system.
First, check the current installed Python version:

python3 -V

My results:

pi@raspberrypi:~ $ python3 -V
Python 3.7.3

Also, check the library version with this command:

dpkg --get-selections | grep libpython

My results:

pi@raspberrypi:~ $ dpkg –get-selections | grep libpython
libpython-stdlib:armhf install
libpython2-stdlib:armhf install
libpython2.7-minimal:armhf install
libpython2.7-stdlib:armhf install
libpython3-stdlib:armhf install
libpython3.7:armhf install
libpython3.7-minimal:armhf install
libpython3.7-stdlib:armhf install

As you can see, both the Python 2.7 and the 3.7 libraries are installed, but Python version 3.7.3 is active. However, in order to use the Plugin Manager, we also need the corresponding “dev” libraries. Run the following commands to install them:

sudo apt-get install python3.7 libpython3.7 python3.7-dev
sudo systemctl restart domoticz.service

Step 2: Install the Python Plugin Manager

Now everything is ready for the Python Plugin Manager, it’s time to install it. Run the below commands to install the PP-Manager plugin.

cd
cd domoticz/plugins
git clone https://github.com/ycahome/pp-manager.git PP-MANAGER
cd PP-MANAGER
chmod +x plugin.py
sudo systemctl restart domoticz.service

The plugin manager should be installed and ready in Domoticz. Go to your Domoticz hardware page and you can now use it to install plugins.

The Python Plugin Manager now available in Domoticz
The Python Plugin Manager now available in Domoticz

Before you start installing plugins, make sure to check the Domoticz Plugin page in advance. Not all plugins are duly tested and some need some steps in advance. As stated earlier, Domoticz and the plugin manager are work in progress (but very good progress!).

https://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Plugins

For more information about the Python Plugin Manager, you can follow one of these sites: