> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/botpress/botpress/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Plugin lifecycle

> Understand plugin lifecycle and execution

Plugins follow a specific lifecycle when added to bots.

## Lifecycle stages

<Steps>
  <Step title="Installation">
    Plugin is added to bot via `addPlugin()`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configuration">
    Plugin receives configuration and dependencies
  </Step>

  <Step title="Registration">
    Plugin handlers are registered
  </Step>

  <Step title="Active">
    Plugin handles events and messages
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Handler execution

Plugin handlers execute before bot handlers:

1. Plugin message handlers
2. Bot message handlers
3. Plugin event handlers
4. Bot event handlers