Add Hello Plugins training module

.editorconfig

@@ -15,6 +15,10 @@ indent_size = 2
 [*.{py,md}]
 indent_style = unset
 
+# Makefiles require tabs
+[Makefile]
+indent_style = tab
+
 # ignore nf-core files
 [side-quests/solutions/nf-core/**]
 charset = unset

.pre-commit-config.yaml

@@ -12,13 +12,16 @@ repos:
     hooks:
       - id: editorconfig-checker
         alias: ec
+        exclude: hello-plugins/.*/nf-greeting/(COPYING|gradlew)$
 
   - repo: https://github.com/pre-commit/pre-commit-hooks
     rev: v5.0.0
     hooks:
       - id: trailing-whitespace
         exclude_types:
           - svg
+        exclude: hello-plugins/.*/COPYING$
       - id: end-of-file-fixer
         exclude_types:
           - svg
+        exclude: hello-plugins/.*/COPYING$

.prettierignore

@@ -11,3 +11,6 @@ side-quests/solutions/nf-core/**/*.yaml
 side-quests/solutions/nf-core/**/*.json
 side-quests/solutions/nf-core/**/*.html
 side-quests/solutions/nf-core/**/*.yml
+
+# Ignore auto-generated license files in plugin solutions
+hello-plugins/**/COPYING

docs/hello_plugins/00_orientation.md

@@ -0,0 +1,112 @@
+# Orientation
+
+This page will help you set up your environment and navigate through the training.
+
+!!! warning "Development sections are advanced"
+
+    Using existing plugins (Parts 1-2) is straightforward and valuable for all Nextflow users.
+
+    However, **developing your own plugins** (Parts 3-7) is an advanced topic.
+    It involves Java/Groovy programming, build tools, and software engineering concepts that may be unfamiliar if you come from a pure bioinformatics background.
+
+    Most Nextflow users will never need to develop plugins.
+    The existing plugin ecosystem covers the vast majority of use cases.
+    If development sections feel challenging, focus on Parts 1-2 and bookmark the rest for later.
+
+---
+
+## 1. Open the training environment
+
+If you haven't yet done so, make sure to open the training environment as described in the [Environment Setup](../envsetup/index.md).
+
+[![Open in GitHub Codespaces](https://github.com/codespaces/badge.svg)](https://codespaces.new/nextflow-io/training?quickstart=1&ref=master)
+
+---
+
+## 2. Verify Java installation
+
+For plugin development (Parts 3-7), you need Java 21 or later.
+Check that Java is available:
+
+```bash
+java -version
+```
+
+You should see Java 21 or later.
+The training Codespace comes with Java pre-installed.
+
+??? info "What are Java, Groovy, and Gradle?"
+
+    If these terms are unfamiliar, here's a quick primer:
+
+    **Java** is a widely-used programming language.
+    Nextflow itself is built with Java, and plugins must be compatible with the Java runtime.
+
+    **Groovy** is a programming language that runs on Java and is designed to be more concise and flexible.
+    Nextflow's DSL is based on Groovy, which is why Nextflow syntax looks the way it does.
+    Plugin code is typically written in Groovy.
+
+    **Gradle** is a build tool that compiles code, runs tests, and packages software.
+    You don't need to understand Gradle deeply; we'll use simple commands like `./gradlew build`.
+
+    The good news: you don't need to be an expert in any of these.
+    Many successful Nextflow plugin authors come from bioinformatics backgrounds, not Java development.
+    We'll explain the relevant concepts as we go, and the plugin template handles most of the complexity for you.
+
+---
+
+## 3. Move into the project directory
+
+```bash
+cd hello-plugins
+```
+
+---
+
+## 4. Review the materials
+
+```console title="Directory contents"
+.
+├── greetings.csv
+├── main.nf
+├── nextflow.config
+└── random_id_example.nf
+```
+
+We have a simple greeting pipeline and materials for both using and developing plugins.
+
+---
+
+## 5. What we'll cover
+
+This training is organized into two parts:
+
+**Using plugins (Parts 1-2):**
+
+- Understand plugin architecture and extension types
+- Discover, install, and use existing plugins like `nf-hello`
+
+**Developing plugins (Parts 3-7):**
+
+- Create a plugin project with `nf-greeting`
+- Implement custom functions
+- Build, test, and install locally
+- Add trace observers for lifecycle events
+- Make plugins configurable
+- Distribute your plugin
+
+---
+
+## 6. Readiness checklist
+
+- [ ] My codespace is running
+- [ ] I'm in the `hello-plugins` directory
+- [ ] Java is installed (required for plugin development parts)
+
+---
+
+### What's next?
+
+In the next section, you'll learn about plugin architecture and start using existing plugins.
+
+[Continue to Part 1 :material-arrow-right:](01_plugin_basics.md){ .md-button .md-button--primary }