# Extending &kate;

## Introduction

Like any advanced text editor, &kate; offers a variety of ways to extend its functionality. You can write simple scripts to add functionality with &javascript; or add even more functionality to the editor itself with &kate; Application Plugins written in C++. Finally, once you have extended &kate;, you are welcome to join us and share your enhancements with the world!

## Working with Syntax Highlighting

For information about adding or modifying syntax highlighting definitions, see the Working with Syntax Highlighting section of the Development chapter of the &katepart; Handbook.

## Scripting with &javascript;

For information about scripting with &javascript;, see the Scripting with &javascript; section of the Development chapter of the &katepart; Handbook.

## &kate; (C++) Application Plugins

&kate; Application Plugins extend the functionality of the &kate; editor itself in any way you can imagine, using the same programming language &kate; is written in, C++.

To get started, see the Writing a &kate; Plugin tutorial on the &kate; website.