# Base Encoder Plugin Base layer encoding is implemented via a plugin system. Base encoder plugins, along with their corresponding wrappers, are dynamically loaded at runtime, based upon the name of the Base encoder specified in the `EILOpenSettings` structure. The name of the base encoder that the EIL uses for base encoding should not contain the preceding `lcevc_eilp_` (`liblcevc_eilp_` on Linux) or the platform's dynamic library extension. For example, if a plugin is called `liblcevc_eilp_x264.so` or `lcevc_eilp_x264.dll`, then the `base_encoder` string should be `x264`. The EIL utilises several search paths to locate plugins. This is to assist with different program usage behaviours and EIL integration techniques. The order of search is as follows: 1. The location of the application process. 2. The current working directory. 3. System-defined PATH environment variable. An API is provided for the EIL to interact with plugins. This allows a user to optionally implement their own base encoder through the plugin system without the need to be embedded within the EIL, and provides the benefits of modularity. Note: This requires the base plugin API and further documentation on how to develop your own base encoder plugin. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.v-nova.com/technologies/mpeg-5.lcevc/encoder/sdk/eil/eil-integration-process/base-encoder-plugin.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.