Enhance Bukkit.dispatchCommand for improved logging and plugin accountability.

[GeorgeV220]

Is your feature request related to a problem?

In many server environments, plugins frequently dispatch commands, either directly or as part of automated tasks. However, without a clear log of these actions, it can be challenging to identify which commands are run, by whom, and when. This lack of transparency complicates debugging and can make it difficult to pinpoint the origin of specific commands, especially when issues arise from unexpected behavior or interactions between plugins.

Additionally, the current dispatchCommand(String) method does not specify which plugin triggered the command, limiting traceability. By logging command executions along with a Plugin parameter, administrators and developers can:

• Better track command sources – essential for troubleshooting plugin conflicts or unexpected server behaviors,
• Enhance security oversight by identifying any unintended command executions, and
• Improve overall transparency by establishing a clear record of command activity, which can be critical for auditing or investigating issues.

Ultimately, this feature aims to strengthen accountability and make it easier to manage complex server environments where multiple plugins interact.

Describe the solution you'd like.

The solution involves enhancing the Bukkit.dispatchCommand method in two key ways to improve logging and traceability:

1. Add Command Execution Logging:

   • Implement a logging mechanism within Bukkit.dispatchCommand that records each command executed, including:
     • Command String: The actual command being dispatched,
     • Execution Timestamp: Precise time the command is run, and
     • Initiating Plugin (if available): For better traceability, especially useful in debugging.
   • This logging feature would provide a detailed record of command executions across the server, helping developers and administrators quickly identify command sources and troubleshoot issues.

2. Introduce New Method Signature for Better Plugin Identification:

   • Add a new method signature for dispatchCommand:

     Bukkit.dispatchCommand(Plugin plugin, String command)

   • Here, the plugin parameter explicitly identifies the plugin initiating the command dispatch. This addition enhances traceability by attributing each command to its source plugin.
   • Deprecate Existing dispatchCommand(String) Method: Mark the original method as deprecated to guide developers towards the new API that includes plugin attribution. This transition would encourage consistent usage of the updated API, reinforcing traceability practices.

Expected Benefits:

• Increased Command Accountability: Each command can be traced back to its source plugin, making it easier to understand and control plugin behavior.
• Improved Debugging Experience: Detailed logs will simplify identifying issues and understanding plugin interactions.
• Enhanced Server Security: Maintains a thorough record of command executions, allowing administrators to detect and manage unauthorized or unintended command usage.

By adding logging and introducing a more informative method signature, this solution aims to improve the management and oversight of command dispatching within the PaperMC environment.

Describe alternatives you've considered.

1. Custom Logging within Plugins:

   • Description: Plugin developers could implement their own logging for commands they dispatch, capturing command strings, timestamps, and relevant context.
   • Drawbacks: This approach places the burden on individual plugin developers, leading to inconsistent implementations. Since not all plugins would implement such logging, it leaves gaps in tracking, especially when plugins with complex dependencies or interactions are involved.

2. External Command Monitoring Plugins:

   • Description: Using a separate plugin to monitor and log all commands run on the server, including those dispatched by other plugins.
   • Drawbacks: An external plugin might be able to capture some information about commands being run, but it still wouldn't have precise insight into which plugin initiated each dispatch. This approach also adds an additional layer of complexity, and it may not cover commands dispatched asynchronously or by plugins not recognized by the monitoring plugin. There’s also potential for performance overhead from constant monitoring.

Why the Proposed Solution is Preferred:
The proposed solution—adding direct logging to Bukkit.dispatchCommand and introducing a method that requires specifying the plugin source—addresses the key challenges of command traceability and accountability while maintaining consistency across all plugins. This approach ensures that logging is comprehensive, integrated, and available to server administrators without relying on additional plugins or configurations.

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