Guidance on Plugin Design and Code Scanning Implementation

Hello,

I am working on developing a plugin for IntelliJ IDEA that will analyze the open code file and provide feedback based on specific rule violations. My aim is to create a robust and efficient plugin with an intuitive user experience.

I have a few questions and would appreciate detailed guidance on the following aspects:

1. Plugin Design:
   • What is the recommended structure for designing an IntelliJ IDEA plugin?
   • Are there any best practices or architectural patterns to follow?
   • How do I integrate my plugin with the IntelliJ Platform SDK effectively?
2. Code Scanning Implementation:
   • How can I programmatically access the code of the currently open file in the editor?
   • What APIs or libraries should I use for syntax and semantic analysis within IntelliJ IDEA?
   • How can I define custom rules for code analysis and implement logic to identify violations?
3. UI/UX Design:
   • What are the best practices for creating a user-friendly interface for displaying analysis results?
   • How can I display warnings or suggestions directly in the code editor or through a separate tool window?
4. Performance Optimization:
   • Are there specific strategies to optimize the performance of the plugin during code analysis, especially for large files?
   • How can I ensure the plugin does not impact IntelliJ IDEA's responsiveness?
5. Testing and Debugging:
   • What are the recommended methods for testing and debugging an IntelliJ IDEA plugin?
   • Are there any tools or frameworks available for automated testing of plugins?

If you could provide relevant documentation, example plugins, or pointers to resources for implementing such functionality, it would be immensely helpful.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Best regards,