feat(plugins): skip plugin cache flag (#2971)

* feat(plugins): allow explicitly skipping the plugin cache when loading

* style(fmt): rustfmt

* fix tests

22 files changed, 308 insertions, 85 deletions

diff --git a/default-plugins/status-bar/src/second_line.rs b/default-plugins/status-bar/src/second_line.rs
index d33ddad8..53fbc6ec 100644
--- a/default-plugins/status-bar/src/second_line.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/status-bar/src/second_line.rs
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ fn get_keys_and_hints(mi: &ModeInfo) -> Vec<(String, String, Vec<Key>)> {
             action_key(&km, &[A::SearchToggleOption(SOpt::WholeWord)])),
     ]} else if mi.mode == IM::Session { vec![
         (s("Detach"), s("Detach"), action_key(&km, &[Action::Detach])),
-        (s("Session Manager"), s("Manager"), action_key(&km, &[A::LaunchOrFocusPlugin(Default::default(), true, true, false), TO_NORMAL])), // not entirely accurate
+        (s("Session Manager"), s("Manager"), action_key(&km, &[A::LaunchOrFocusPlugin(Default::default(), true, true, false, false), TO_NORMAL])), // not entirely accurate
         (s("Select pane"), s("Select"), to_normal_key),
     ]} else if mi.mode == IM::Tmux { vec![
         (s("Move focus"), s("Move"), action_key_group(&km, &[
diff --git a/src/main.rs b/src/main.rs
index 72dce0d2..955a982b 100644
--- a/src/main.rs
+++ b/src/main.rs
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ fn main() {
             start_suspended,
         })) = opts.command
         {
+            let skip_plugin_cache = false; // N/A for this action
             let command_cli_action = CliAction::NewPane {
                 command,
                 plugin: None,
@@ -42,6 +43,7 @@ fn main() {
                 close_on_exit,
                 start_suspended,
                 configuration: None,
+                skip_plugin_cache,
             };
             commands::send_action_to_session(command_cli_action, opts.session, config);
             std::process::exit(0);
@@ -51,6 +53,7 @@ fn main() {
             floating,
             in_place,
             configuration,
+            skip_plugin_cache,
         })) = opts.command
         {
             let command_cli_action = CliAction::NewPane {
@@ -64,6 +67,7 @@ fn main() {
                 close_on_exit: false,
                 start_suspended: false,
                 configuration,
+                skip_plugin_cache,
             };
             commands::send_action_to_session(command_cli_action, opts.session, config);
             std::process::exit(0);
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/mod.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/mod.rs
index 2086268d..9dbacd5c 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/mod.rs
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ pub enum PluginInstruction {
         ClientId,
         Size,
         Option<PathBuf>, // cwd
+        bool,            // skip cache
     ),
     Update(Vec<(Option<PluginId>, Option<ClientId>, Event)>), // Focused plugin / broadcast, client_id, event data
     Unload(PluginId),                                         // plugin_id
@@ -184,8 +185,15 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
                 client_id,
                 size,
                 cwd,
-            ) => match wasm_bridge.load_plugin(&run, tab_index, size, cwd.clone(), Some(client_id))
-            {
+                skip_cache,
+            ) => match wasm_bridge.load_plugin(
+                &run,
+                tab_index,
+                size,
+                cwd.clone(),
+                skip_cache,
+                Some(client_id),
+            ) {
                 Ok(plugin_id) => {
                     drop(bus.senders.send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
                         should_float,
@@ -221,7 +229,10 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
                             log::warn!("Plugin {} not found, starting it instead", run.location);
                             // we intentionally do not provide the client_id here because it belongs to
                             // the cli who spawned the command and is not an existing client_id
-                            match wasm_bridge.load_plugin(&run, tab_index, size, None, None) {
+                            let skip_cache = true; // when reloading we always skip cache
+                            match wasm_bridge
+                                .load_plugin(&run, tab_index, size, None, skip_cache, None)
+                            {
                                 Ok(plugin_id) => {
                                     let should_be_open_in_place = false;
                                     drop(bus.senders.send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::AddPlugin(
@@ -286,11 +297,13 @@ pub(crate) fn plugin_thread_main(
                 extracted_run_instructions.append(&mut extracted_floating_plugins);
                 for run_instruction in extracted_run_instructions {
                     if let Some(Run::Plugin(run)) = run_instruction {
+                        let skip_cache = false;
                         let plugin_id = wasm_bridge.load_plugin(
                             &run,
                             tab_index,
                             size,
                             None,
+                            skip_cache,
                             Some(client_id),
                         )?;
                         plugin_ids
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/plugin_loader.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/plugin_loader.rs
index 39cb4362..1f001db1 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/plugin_loader.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/plugin_loader.rs
@@ -148,6 +148,7 @@ impl<'a> PluginLoader<'a> {
         client_attributes: ClientAttributes,
         default_shell: Option<TerminalAction>,
         default_layout: Box<Layout>,
+        skip_cache: bool,
     ) -> Result<()> {
         let err_context = || format!("failed to start plugin {plugin_id} for client {client_id}");
         let mut plugin_loader = PluginLoader::new(
@@ -168,27 +169,49 @@ impl<'a> PluginLoader<'a> {
             default_shell,
             default_layout,
         )?;
-        plugin_loader
-            .load_module_from_memory()
-            .or_else(|_e| plugin_loader.load_module_from_hd_cache())
-            .or_else(|_e| plugin_loader.compile_module())
-            .and_then(|module| plugin_loader.create_plugin_environment(module))
-            .and_then(|(store, instance, plugin_env, subscriptions)| {
-                plugin_loader.load_plugin_instance(
-                    store,
-                    &instance,
-                    &plugin_env,
-                    &plugin_map,
-                    &subscriptions,
-                )
-            })
-            .and_then(|_| {
-                plugin_loader.clone_instance_for_other_clients(
-                    &connected_clients.lock().unwrap(),
-                    &plugin_map,
-                )
-            })
-            .with_context(err_context)?;
+        if skip_cache {
+            plugin_loader
+                .compile_module()
+                .and_then(|module| plugin_loader.create_plugin_environment(module))
+                .and_then(|(store, instance, plugin_env, subscriptions)| {
+                    plugin_loader.load_plugin_instance(
+                        store,
+                        &instance,
+                        &plugin_env,
+                        &plugin_map,
+                        &subscriptions,
+                    )
+                })
+                .and_then(|_| {
+                    plugin_loader.clone_instance_for_other_clients(
+                        &connected_clients.lock().unwrap(),
+                        &plugin_map,
+                    )
+                })
+                .with_context(err_context)?;
+        } else {
+            plugin_loader
+                .load_module_from_memory()
+                .or_else(|_e| plugin_loader.load_module_from_hd_cache())
+                .or_else(|_e| plugin_loader.compile_module())
+                .and_then(|module| plugin_loader.create_plugin_environment(module))
+                .and_then(|(store, instance, plugin_env, subscriptions)| {
+                    plugin_loader.load_plugin_instance(
+                        store,
+                        &instance,
+                        &plugin_env,
+                        &plugin_map,
+                        &subscriptions,
+                    )
+                })
+                .and_then(|_| {
+                    plugin_loader.clone_instance_for_other_clients(
+                        &connected_clients.lock().unwrap(),
+                        &plugin_map,
+                    )
+                })
+                .with_context(err_context)?;
+        };
         display_loading_stage!(end, loading_indication, senders, plugin_id);
         Ok(())
     }
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
index 08ac5b83..ca843358 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/unit/plugin_tests.rs
@@ -617,6 +617,7 @@ pub fn load_new_plugin_from_hd() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -688,6 +689,7 @@ pub fn plugin_workers() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     // we send a SystemClipboardFailure to trigger the custom handler in the fixture plugin that
@@ -763,6 +765,7 @@ pub fn plugin_workers_persist_state() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     // we send a SystemClipboardFailure to trigger the custom handler in the fixture plugin that
@@ -842,6 +845,7 @@ pub fn can_subscribe_to_hd_events() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     // extra long time because we only start the fs watcher on plugin load
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(5000));
@@ -915,6 +919,7 @@ pub fn switch_to_mode_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -985,6 +990,7 @@ pub fn switch_to_mode_plugin_command_permission_denied() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1055,6 +1061,7 @@ pub fn new_tabs_with_layout_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1139,6 +1146,7 @@ pub fn new_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1209,6 +1217,7 @@ pub fn go_to_next_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1278,6 +1287,7 @@ pub fn go_to_previous_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1347,6 +1357,7 @@ pub fn resize_focused_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1416,6 +1427,7 @@ pub fn resize_focused_pane_with_direction_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1485,6 +1497,7 @@ pub fn focus_next_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1554,6 +1567,7 @@ pub fn focus_previous_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1623,6 +1637,7 @@ pub fn move_focus_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1692,6 +1707,7 @@ pub fn move_focus_or_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1761,6 +1777,7 @@ pub fn edit_scrollback_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1830,6 +1847,7 @@ pub fn write_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1899,6 +1917,7 @@ pub fn write_chars_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -1968,6 +1987,7 @@ pub fn toggle_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2037,6 +2057,7 @@ pub fn move_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2106,6 +2127,7 @@ pub fn move_pane_with_direction_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2176,6 +2198,7 @@ pub fn clear_screen_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2246,6 +2269,7 @@ pub fn scroll_up_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2315,6 +2339,7 @@ pub fn scroll_down_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2384,6 +2409,7 @@ pub fn scroll_to_top_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2453,6 +2479,7 @@ pub fn scroll_to_bottom_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2522,6 +2549,7 @@ pub fn page_scroll_up_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2591,6 +2619,7 @@ pub fn page_scroll_down_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2660,6 +2689,7 @@ pub fn toggle_focus_fullscreen_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2729,6 +2759,7 @@ pub fn toggle_pane_frames_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2798,6 +2829,7 @@ pub fn toggle_pane_embed_or_eject_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2867,6 +2899,7 @@ pub fn undo_rename_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -2936,6 +2969,7 @@ pub fn close_focus_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3005,6 +3039,7 @@ pub fn toggle_active_tab_sync_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3074,6 +3109,7 @@ pub fn close_focused_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3143,6 +3179,7 @@ pub fn undo_rename_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3212,6 +3249,7 @@ pub fn previous_swap_layout_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3281,6 +3319,7 @@ pub fn next_swap_layout_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3350,6 +3389,7 @@ pub fn go_to_tab_name_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3419,6 +3459,7 @@ pub fn focus_or_create_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3488,6 +3529,7 @@ pub fn go_to_tab() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3557,6 +3599,7 @@ pub fn start_or_reload_plugin() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3633,6 +3676,7 @@ pub fn quit_zellij_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3709,6 +3753,7 @@ pub fn detach_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3785,6 +3830,7 @@ pub fn open_file_floating_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3861,6 +3907,7 @@ pub fn open_file_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -3938,6 +3985,7 @@ pub fn open_file_with_line_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4014,6 +4062,7 @@ pub fn open_file_with_line_floating_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4090,6 +4139,7 @@ pub fn open_terminal_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4166,6 +4216,7 @@ pub fn open_terminal_floating_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4242,6 +4293,7 @@ pub fn open_command_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4318,6 +4370,7 @@ pub fn open_command_pane_floating_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4387,6 +4440,7 @@ pub fn switch_to_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4451,6 +4505,7 @@ pub fn hide_self_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4515,6 +4570,7 @@ pub fn show_self_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4584,6 +4640,7 @@ pub fn close_terminal_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4653,6 +4710,7 @@ pub fn close_plugin_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4722,6 +4780,7 @@ pub fn focus_terminal_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4791,6 +4850,7 @@ pub fn focus_plugin_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4860,6 +4920,7 @@ pub fn rename_terminal_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4929,6 +4990,7 @@ pub fn rename_plugin_pane_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -4998,6 +5060,7 @@ pub fn rename_tab_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -5076,6 +5139,7 @@ pub fn send_configuration_to_plugins() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -5142,6 +5206,7 @@ pub fn request_plugin_permissions() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -5232,6 +5297,7 @@ pub fn granted_permission_request_result() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -5321,6 +5387,7 @@ pub fn denied_permission_request_result() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -5389,6 +5456,7 @@ pub fn run_command_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -5465,6 +5533,7 @@ pub fn run_command_with_env_vars_and_cwd_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
@@ -5541,6 +5610,7 @@ pub fn web_request_plugin_command() {
         client_id,
         size,
         None,
+        false,
     ));
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
     let _ = plugin_thread_sender.send(PluginInstruction::Update(vec![(
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/plugins/wasm_bridge.rs b/zellij-server/src/plugins/wasm_bridge.rs
index bb58d611..b89cc73b 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/plugins/wasm_bridge.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/plugins/wasm_bridge.rs
@@ -114,6 +114,7 @@ impl WasmBridge {
         tab_index: usize,
         size: Size,
         cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
+        skip_cache: bool,
         client_id: Option<ClientId>,
     ) -> Result<PluginId> {
         // returns the plugin id
@@ -209,6 +210,7 @@ impl WasmBridge {
                     client_attributes,
                     default_shell,
                     default_layout,
+                    skip_cache,
                 ) {
                     Ok(_) => handle_plugin_successful_loading(&senders, plugin_id),
                     Err(e) => handle_plugin_loading_failure(
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/pty.rs b/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
index 43cabba0..54fea251 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
@@ -88,6 +88,7 @@ pub enum PtyInstruction {
         Option<PaneId>, // pane id to replace if this is to be opened "in-place"
         ClientId,
         Size,
+        bool, // skip cache
     ),
     Exit,
 }
@@ -653,6 +654,7 @@ pub(crate) fn pty_thread_main(mut pty: Pty, layout: Box<Layout>) -> Result<()> {
                 pane_id_to_replace,
                 client_id,
                 size,
+                skip_cache,
             ) => {
                 pty.fill_plugin_cwd(
                     should_float,
@@ -663,6 +665,7 @@ pub(crate) fn pty_thread_main(mut pty: Pty, layout: Box<Layout>) -> Result<()> {
                     pane_id_to_replace,
                     client_id,
                     size,
+                    skip_cache,
                 )?;
             },
             PtyInstruction::Exit => break,
@@ -1328,6 +1331,7 @@ impl Pty {
         pane_id_to_replace: Option<PaneId>, // pane id to replace if this is to be opened "in-place"
         client_id: ClientId,
         size: Size,
+        skip_cache: bool,
     ) -> Result<()> {
         let cwd = self
             .active_panes
@@ -1353,6 +1357,7 @@ impl Pty {
             client_id,
             size,
             cwd,
+            skip_cache,
         ))?;
         Ok(())
     }
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/route.rs b/zellij-server/src/route.rs
index 8c9da6b5..17fcc3de 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/route.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/route.rs
@@ -658,25 +658,25 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                 .send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::QueryTabNames(client_id))
                 .with_context(err_context)?;
         },
-        Action::NewTiledPluginPane(run_plugin, name) => {
+        Action::NewTiledPluginPane(run_plugin, name, skip_cache) => {
             senders
                 .send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::NewTiledPluginPane(
-                    run_plugin, name, client_id,
+                    run_plugin, name, skip_cache, client_id,
                 ))
                 .with_context(err_context)?;
         },
-        Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(run_plugin, name) => {
+        Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(run_plugin, name, skip_cache) => {
             senders
                 .send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::NewFloatingPluginPane(
-                    run_plugin, name, client_id,
+                    run_plugin, name, skip_cache, client_id,
                 ))
                 .with_context(err_context)?;
         },
-        Action::NewInPlacePluginPane(run_plugin, name) => {
+        Action::NewInPlacePluginPane(run_plugin, name, skip_cache) => {
             if let Some(pane_id) = pane_id {
                 senders
                     .send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::NewInPlacePluginPane(
-                        run_plugin, name, pane_id, client_id,
+                        run_plugin, name, pane_id, skip_cache, client_id,
                     ))
                     .with_context(err_context)?;
             } else {
@@ -693,6 +693,7 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
             should_float,
             move_to_focused_tab,
             should_open_in_place,
+            skip_cache,
         ) => {
             senders
                 .send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
@@ -701,17 +702,19 @@ pub(crate) fn route_action(
                     move_to_focused_tab,
                     should_open_in_place,
                     pane_id,
+                    skip_cache,
                     client_id,
                 ))
                 .with_context(err_context)?;
         },
-        Action::LaunchPlugin(run_plugin, should_float, should_open_in_place) => {
+        Action::LaunchPlugin(run_plugin, should_float, should_open_in_place, skip_cache) => {
             senders
                 .send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::LaunchPlugin(
                     run_plugin,
                     should_float,
                     should_open_in_place,
                     pane_id,
+                    skip_cache,
                     client_id,
                 ))
                 .with_context(err_context)?;
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
index 902351c5..409a1854 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
@@ -272,11 +272,13 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
     PreviousSwapLayout(ClientId),
     NextSwapLayout(ClientId),
     QueryTabNames(ClientId),
-    NewTiledPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, ClientId), // Option<String> is
-    // optional pane title
-    NewFloatingPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, ClientId), // Option<String> is an
-    NewInPlacePluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, PaneId, ClientId), // Option<String> is an
-    // optional pane title
+    NewTiledPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, bool, ClientId), // Option<String> is
+    // optional pane title, bool is skip cache
+    NewFloatingPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, bool, ClientId), // Option<String> is an
+    // optional pane title, bool
+    // is skip cache
+    NewInPlacePluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, PaneId, bool, ClientId), // Option<String> is an
+    // optional pane title, bool is skip cache
     StartOrReloadPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>),
     AddPlugin(
         Option<bool>, // should_float
@@ -293,10 +295,10 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
     StartPluginLoadingIndication(u32, LoadingIndication), // u32 - plugin_id
     ProgressPluginLoadingOffset(u32),                 // u32 - plugin id
     RequestStateUpdateForPlugins,
-    LaunchOrFocusPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, bool, Option<PaneId>, ClientId), // bools are: should_float, move_to_focused_tab, should_open_in_place Option<PaneId> is the pane id to replace
-    LaunchPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, Option<PaneId>, ClientId), // bools are: should_float, should_open_in_place Option<PaneId> is the pane id to replace
-    SuppressPane(PaneId, ClientId),                                // bool is should_float
-    FocusPaneWithId(PaneId, bool, ClientId),                       // bool is should_float
+    LaunchOrFocusPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, bool, Option<PaneId>, bool, ClientId), // bools are: should_float, move_to_focused_tab, should_open_in_place, Option<PaneId> is the pane id to replace, bool following it is skip_cache
+    LaunchPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, Option<PaneId>, bool, ClientId), // bools are: should_float, should_open_in_place Option<PaneId> is the pane id to replace, bool after is skip_cache
+    SuppressPane(PaneId, ClientId),                                      // bool is should_float
+    FocusPaneWithId(PaneId, bool, ClientId),                             // bool is should_float
     RenamePane(PaneId, Vec<u8>),
     RenameTab(usize, Vec<u8>),
     RequestPluginPermissions(
@@ -3145,7 +3147,12 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                     .senders
                     .send_to_server(ServerInstruction::Log(tab_names, client_id))?;
             },
-            ScreenInstruction::NewTiledPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_title, client_id) => {
+            ScreenInstruction::NewTiledPluginPane(
+                run_plugin,
+                pane_title,
+                skip_cache,
+                client_id,
+            ) => {
                 let tab_index = screen.active_tab_indices.values().next().unwrap_or(&1);
                 let size = Size::default();
                 let should_float = Some(false);
@@ -3162,39 +3169,45 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                         None,
                         client_id,
                         size,
+                        skip_cache,
                     ))?;
             },
-            ScreenInstruction::NewFloatingPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_title, client_id) => {
-                match screen.active_tab_indices.values().next() {
-                    Some(tab_index) => {
-                        let size = Size::default();
-                        let should_float = Some(true);
-                        let should_be_opened_in_place = false;
-                        screen
-                            .bus
-                            .senders
-                            .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::FillPluginCwd(
-                                should_float,
-                                should_be_opened_in_place,
-                                pane_title,
-                                run_plugin,
-                                *tab_index,
-                                None,
-                                client_id,
-                                size,
-                            ))?;
-                    },
-                    None => {
-                        log::error!(
-                            "Could not find an active tab - is there at least 1 connected user?"
-                        );
-                    },
-                }
+            ScreenInstruction::NewFloatingPluginPane(
+                run_plugin,
+                pane_title,
+                skip_cache,
+                client_id,
+            ) => match screen.active_tab_indices.values().next() {
+                Some(tab_index) => {
+                    let size = Size::default();
+                    let should_float = Some(true);
+                    let should_be_opened_in_place = false;
+                    screen
+                        .bus
+                        .senders
+                        .send_to_pty(PtyInstruction::FillPluginCwd(
+                            should_float,
+                            should_be_opened_in_place,
+                            pane_title,
+                            run_plugin,
+                            *tab_index,
+                            None,
+                            client_id,
+                            size,
+                            skip_cache,
+                        ))?;
+                },
+                None => {
+                    log::error!(
+                        "Could not find an active tab - is there at least 1 connected user?"
+                    );
+                },
             },
             ScreenInstruction::NewInPlacePluginPane(
                 run_plugin,
                 pane_title,
                 pane_id_to_replace,
+                skip_cache,
                 client_id,
             ) => match screen.active_tab_indices.values().next() {
                 Some(tab_index) => {
@@ -3213,6 +3226,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                             Some(pane_id_to_replace),
                             client_id,
                             size,
+                            skip_cache,
                         ))?;
                 },
                 None => {
@@ -3340,6 +3354,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 move_to_focused_tab,
                 should_open_in_place,
                 pane_id_to_replace,
+                skip_cache,
                 client_id,
             ) => match pane_id_to_replace {
                 Some(pane_id_to_replace) => match screen.active_tab_indices.values().next() {
@@ -3357,6 +3372,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                 Some(pane_id_to_replace),
                                 client_id,
                                 size,
+                                skip_cache,
                             ))?;
                     },
                     None => {
@@ -3400,6 +3416,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                         None,
                                         client_id,
                                         Size::default(),
+                                        skip_cache,
                                     ))?;
                             }
                         },
@@ -3414,6 +3431,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 should_float,
                 should_open_in_place,
                 pane_id_to_replace,
+                skip_cache,
                 client_id,
             ) => match pane_id_to_replace {
                 Some(pane_id_to_replace) => match screen.active_tab_indices.values().next() {
@@ -3431,6 +3449,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                 Some(pane_id_to_replace),
                                 client_id,
                                 size,
+                                skip_cache,
                             ))?;
                     },
                     None => {
@@ -3465,6 +3484,7 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                                     None,
                                     client_id,
                                     Size::default(),
+                                    skip_cache,
                                 ))?;
                         },
                         None => {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
index f0ed8452..6296d60d 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/screen_tests.rs
@@ -1892,6 +1892,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_default_parameters() {
         close_on_exit: false,
         start_suspended: false,
         configuration: None,
+        skip_plugin_cache: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_new_pane_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100)); // give time for actions to be
@@ -1930,6 +1931,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_split_direction() {
         close_on_exit: false,
         start_suspended: false,
         configuration: None,
+        skip_plugin_cache: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_new_pane_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100)); // give time for actions to be
@@ -1968,6 +1970,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_new_pane_action_with_command_and_cwd() {
         close_on_exit: false,
         start_suspended: false,
         configuration: None,
+        skip_plugin_cache: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_new_pane_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100)); // give time for actions to be
@@ -2598,6 +2601,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action() {
         move_to_focused_tab: true,
         url: url::Url::parse("file:/path/to/fake/plugin").unwrap(),
         configuration: Default::default(),
+        skip_plugin_cache: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100)); // give time for actions to be
@@ -2657,6 +2661,7 @@ pub fn send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action_when_plugin_is_already_loaded() {
         move_to_focused_tab: true,
         url: url::Url::parse("file:/path/to/fake/plugin").unwrap(),
         configuration: Default::default(),
+        skip_plugin_cache: false,
     };
     send_cli_action_to_server(&session_metadata, cli_action, client_id);
     std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100)); // give time for actions to be
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action.snap b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action.snap
index bfde747e..7ff22158 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action.snap
+++ b/zellij-server/src/unit/snapshots/zellij_server__screen__screen_tests__send_cli_launch_or_focus_plugin_action.snap
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: zellij-server/src/./unit/screen_tests.rs
-assertion_line: 2614
+assertion_line: 2620
 expression: "format!(\"{:#?}\", pty_fill_plugin_cwd_instruction)"
 ---
 Some(
@@ -26,5 +26,6 @@ Some(
             rows: 0,
             cols: 0,
         },
+        false,
     ),
 )
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.action.rs b/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.action.rs
index 171ae804..908fffa7 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.action.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/prost/api.action.rs
@@ -129,6 +129,8 @@ pub struct NewPluginPanePayload {
     pub plugin_url: ::prost::alloc::string::String,
     #[prost(string, optional, tag = "2")]
     pub pane_name: ::core::option::Option<::prost::alloc::string::String>,
+    #[prost(bool, tag = "3")]
+    pub skip_plugin_cache: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
@@ -143,6 +145,8 @@ pub struct LaunchOrFocusPluginPayload {
     pub move_to_focused_tab: bool,
     #[prost(bool, tag = "5")]
     pub should_open_in_place: bool,
+    #[prost(bool, tag = "6")]
+    pub skip_plugin_cache: bool,
 }
 #[allow(clippy::derive_partial_eq_without_eq)]
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq, ::prost::Message)]
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs b/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
index ee402449..97a0cd77 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/cli.rs
@@ -242,6 +242,10 @@ pub enum Sessions {
             conflicts_with("floating")
         )]
         in_place: bool,
+
+        /// Skip the memory and HD cache and force recompile of the plugin (good for development)
+        #[clap(short, long, value_parser, default_value("false"), takes_value(false))]
+        skip_plugin_cache: bool,
     },
     /// Edit file with default $EDITOR / $VISUAL
     #[clap(visible_alias = "e")]
@@ -417,6 +421,8 @@ pub enum CliAction {
         start_suspended: bool,
         #[clap(long, value_parser)]
         configuration: Option<PluginUserConfiguration>,
+        #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
+        skip_plugin_cache: bool,
     },
     /// Open the specified file in a new zellij pane with your default EDITOR
     Edit {
@@ -526,6 +532,8 @@ pub enum CliAction {
         url: Url,
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
         configuration: Option<PluginUserConfiguration>,
+        #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
+        skip_plugin_cache: bool,
     },
     LaunchPlugin {
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
@@ -535,6 +543,8 @@ pub enum CliAction {
         url: Url,
         #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
         configuration: Option<PluginUserConfiguration>,
+        #[clap(short, long, value_parser)]
+        skip_plugin_cache: bool,
     },
     RenameSession {
         name: String,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
index 8fe0a328..8af5d28e 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
@@ -209,10 +209,10 @@ pub enum Action {
     LeftClick(Position),
     RightClick(Position),
     MiddleClick(Position),
-    LaunchOrFocusPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, bool), // bools => should float,
-    // move_to_focused_tab, should_open_in_place
-    LaunchPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool), // bools => should float,
-    // should_open_in_place
+    LaunchOrFocusPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, bool, bool), // bools => should float,
+    // move_to_focused_tab, should_open_in_place, skip_cache
+    LaunchPlugin(RunPlugin, bool, bool, bool), // bools => should float,
+    // should_open_in_place, skip_cache
     LeftMouseRelease(Position),
     RightMouseRelease(Position),
     MiddleMouseRelease(Position),
@@ -238,9 +238,12 @@ pub enum Action {
     /// Query all tab names
     QueryTabNames,
     /// Open a new tiled (embedded, non-floating) plugin pane
-    NewTiledPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>), // String is an optional name
-    NewFloatingPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>), // String is an optional name
-    NewInPlacePluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>),  // String is an optional name
+    NewTiledPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, bool), // String is an optional name, bool is
+    // skip_cache
+    NewFloatingPluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, bool), // String is an optional name, bool is
+    // skip_cache
+    NewInPlacePluginPane(RunPlugin, Option<String>, bool), // String is an optional name, bool is
+    // skip_cache
     StartOrReloadPlugin(RunPlugin),
     CloseTerminalPane(u32),
     ClosePluginPane(u32),
@@ -310,6 +313,7 @@ impl Action {
                 close_on_exit,
                 start_suspended,
                 configuration,
+                skip_plugin_cache,
             } => {
                 let current_dir = get_current_dir();
                 let cwd = cwd
@@ -325,9 +329,17 @@ impl Action {
                         configuration: user_configuration,
                     };
                     if floating {
-                        Ok(vec![Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(plugin, name)])
+                        Ok(vec![Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(
+                            plugin,
+                            name,
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
+                        )])
                     } else if in_place {
-                        Ok(vec![Action::NewInPlacePluginPane(plugin, name)])
+                        Ok(vec![Action::NewInPlacePluginPane(
+                            plugin,
+                            name,
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
+                        )])
                     } else {
                         // it is intentional that a new tiled plugin pane cannot include a
                         // direction
@@ -337,7 +349,11 @@ impl Action {
                         // is being loaded
                         // this is not the case with terminal panes for historical reasons of
                         // backwards compatibility to a time before we had auto layouts
-                        Ok(vec![Action::NewTiledPluginPane(plugin, name)])
+                        Ok(vec![Action::NewTiledPluginPane(
+                            plugin,
+                            name,
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
+                        )])
                     }
                 } else if !command.is_empty() {
                     let mut command = command.clone();
@@ -525,6 +541,7 @@ impl Action {
                 in_place,
                 move_to_focused_tab,
                 configuration,
+                skip_plugin_cache,
             } => {
                 let current_dir = get_current_dir();
                 let run_plugin_location = RunPluginLocation::parse(url.as_str(), Some(current_dir))
@@ -539,6 +556,7 @@ impl Action {
                     floating,
                     move_to_focused_tab,
                     in_place,
+                    skip_plugin_cache,
                 )])
             },
             CliAction::LaunchPlugin {
@@ -546,6 +564,7 @@ impl Action {
                 floating,
                 in_place,
                 configuration,
+                skip_plugin_cache,
             } => {
                 let current_dir = get_current_dir();
                 let run_plugin_location = RunPluginLocation::parse(url.as_str(), Some(current_dir))
@@ -555,7 +574,12 @@ impl Action {
                     _allow_exec_host_cmd: false,
                     configuration: configuration.unwrap_or_default(),
                 };
-                Ok(vec![Action::LaunchPlugin(run_plugin, floating, in_place)])
+                Ok(vec![Action::LaunchPlugin(
+                    run_plugin,
+                    floating,
+                    in_place,
+                    skip_plugin_cache,
+                )])
             },
             CliAction::RenameSession { name } => Ok(vec![Action::RenameSession(name)]),
         }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
index 8353b6e7..71f48fc4 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/kdl/mod.rs
@@ -938,6 +938,9 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                 let should_open_in_place = command_metadata
                     .and_then(|c_m| kdl_child_bool_value_for_entry(c_m, "in_place"))
                     .unwrap_or(false);
+                let skip_plugin_cache = command_metadata
+                    .and_then(|c_m| kdl_child_bool_value_for_entry(c_m, "skip_plugin_cache"))
+                    .unwrap_or(false);
                 let current_dir = std::env::current_dir().unwrap_or_else(|_| PathBuf::from("."));
                 let location = RunPluginLocation::parse(&plugin_path, Some(current_dir))?;
                 let configuration = KdlLayoutParser::parse_plugin_user_configuration(&kdl_action)?;
@@ -951,6 +954,7 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                     should_float,
                     move_to_focused_tab,
                     should_open_in_place,
+                    skip_plugin_cache,
                 ))
             },
             "LaunchPlugin" => {
@@ -972,6 +976,9 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                 let should_open_in_place = command_metadata
                     .and_then(|c_m| kdl_child_bool_value_for_entry(c_m, "in_place"))
                     .unwrap_or(false);
+                let skip_plugin_cache = command_metadata
+                    .and_then(|c_m| kdl_child_bool_value_for_entry(c_m, "skip_plugin_cache"))
+                    .unwrap_or(false);
                 let current_dir = std::env::current_dir().unwrap_or_else(|_| PathBuf::from("."));
                 let location = RunPluginLocation::parse(&plugin_path, Some(current_dir))?;
                 let configuration = KdlLayoutParser::parse_plugin_user_configuration(&kdl_action)?;
@@ -984,6 +991,7 @@ impl TryFrom<(&KdlNode, &Options)> for Action {
                     run_plugin,
                     should_float,
                     should_open_in_place,
+                    skip_plugin_cache,
                 ))
             },
             "PreviousSwapLayout" => Ok(Action::PreviousSwapLayout),
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.proto b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.proto
index e9d2a293..da10d82a 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.proto
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.proto
@@ -69,6 +69,7 @@ message PaneIdAndShouldFloat {
 message NewPluginPanePayload {
   string plugin_url = 1;
   optional string pane_name = 2;
+  bool skip_plugin_cache = 3;
 }
 
 enum SearchDirection {
@@ -88,6 +89,7 @@ message LaunchOrFocusPluginPayload {
   optional PluginConfiguration plugin_configuration = 3;
   bool move_to_focused_tab = 4;
   bool should_open_in_place = 5;
+  bool skip_plugin_cache = 6;
 }
 
 message GoToTabNamePayload {
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
index dc8c2938..71eaaa13 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/plugin_api/action.rs
@@ -403,11 +403,13 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                         let should_float = payload.should_float;
                         let move_to_focused_tab = payload.move_to_focused_tab;
                         let should_open_in_place = payload.should_open_in_place;
+                        let skip_plugin_cache = payload.skip_plugin_cache;
                         Ok(Action::LaunchOrFocusPlugin(
                             run_plugin,
                             should_float,
                             move_to_focused_tab,
                             should_open_in_place,
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
                         ))
                     },
                     _ => Err("Wrong payload for Action::LaunchOrFocusPlugin"),
@@ -431,10 +433,12 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                     let _move_to_focused_tab = payload.move_to_focused_tab; // not actually used in
                                                                             // this action
                     let should_open_in_place = payload.should_open_in_place;
+                    let skip_plugin_cache = payload.skip_plugin_cache;
                     Ok(Action::LaunchPlugin(
                         run_plugin,
                         should_float,
                         should_open_in_place,
+                        skip_plugin_cache,
                     ))
                 },
                 _ => Err("Wrong payload for Action::LaunchOrFocusPlugin"),
@@ -539,7 +543,12 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::default(),
                         };
                         let pane_name = payload.pane_name;
-                        Ok(Action::NewTiledPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_name))
+                        let skip_plugin_cache = payload.skip_plugin_cache;
+                        Ok(Action::NewTiledPluginPane(
+                            run_plugin,
+                            pane_name,
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
+                        ))
                     },
                     _ => Err("Wrong payload for Action::NewTiledPluginPane"),
                 }
@@ -556,7 +565,12 @@ impl TryFrom<ProtobufAction> for Action {
                             configuration: PluginUserConfiguration::default(),
                         };
                         let pane_name = payload.pane_name;
-                        Ok(Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_name))
+                        let skip_plugin_cache = payload.skip_plugin_cache;
+                        Ok(Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(
+                            run_plugin,
+                            pane_name,
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
+                        ))
                     },
                     _ => Err("Wrong payload for Action::MiddleClick"),
                 }
@@ -1007,6 +1021,7 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                 should_float,
                 move_to_focused_tab,
                 should_open_in_place,
+                skip_plugin_cache,
             ) => {
                 let url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
@@ -1018,11 +1033,17 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                             move_to_focused_tab,
                             should_open_in_place,
                             plugin_configuration: Some(run_plugin.configuration.try_into()?),
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
                         },
                     )),
                 })
             },
-            Action::LaunchPlugin(run_plugin, should_float, should_open_in_place) => {
+            Action::LaunchPlugin(
+                run_plugin,
+                should_float,
+                should_open_in_place,
+                skip_plugin_cache,
+            ) => {
                 let url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
                     name: ProtobufActionName::LaunchPlugin as i32,
@@ -1033,6 +1054,7 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                             move_to_focused_tab: false,
                             should_open_in_place,
                             plugin_configuration: Some(run_plugin.configuration.try_into()?),
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
                         },
                     )),
                 })
@@ -1115,7 +1137,7 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                 name: ProtobufActionName::QueryTabNames as i32,
                 optional_payload: None,
             }),
-            Action::NewTiledPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_name) => {
+            Action::NewTiledPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_name, skip_plugin_cache) => {
                 let plugin_url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
                     name: ProtobufActionName::NewTiledPluginPane as i32,
@@ -1123,11 +1145,12 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                         NewPluginPanePayload {
                             plugin_url: plugin_url.into(),
                             pane_name,
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
                         },
                     )),
                 })
             },
-            Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_name) => {
+            Action::NewFloatingPluginPane(run_plugin, pane_name, skip_plugin_cache) => {
                 let plugin_url: Url = Url::from(&run_plugin.location);
                 Ok(ProtobufAction {
                     name: ProtobufActionName::NewFloatingPluginPane as i32,
@@ -1135,6 +1158,7 @@ impl TryFrom<Action> for ProtobufAction {
                         NewPluginPanePayload {
                             plugin_url: plugin_url.into(),
                             pane_name,
+                            skip_plugin_cache,
                         },
                     )),
                 })
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
index 7d5072a2..35aa55a4 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__default_config_with_no_cli_arguments.snap
@@ -2507,6 +2507,7 @@ Config {
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
+                    false,
                 ),
                 SwitchToMode(
                     Normal,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
index 9c5e198e..636b8d0d 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_env_vars_override_config_env_vars.snap
@@ -2507,6 +2507,7 @@ Config {
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
+                    false,
                 ),
                 SwitchToMode(
                     Normal,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_plugins_override_config_plugins.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_plugins_override_config_plugins.snap
index 31a92174..f183a0fa 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_plugins_override_config_plugins.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_plugins_override_config_plugins.snap
@@ -2507,6 +2507,7 @@ Config {
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
+                    false,
                 ),
                 SwitchToMode(
                     Normal,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
index a6382c05..f70502e6 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_themes_override_config_themes.snap
@@ -2507,6 +2507,7 @@ Config {
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
+                    false,
                 ),
                 SwitchToMode(
                     Normal,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
index 9dc3f74e..b0329b32 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/snapshots/zellij_utils__setup__setup_test__layout_ui_config_overrides_config_ui_config.snap
@@ -2507,6 +2507,7 @@ Config {
                     true,
                     true,
                     false,
+                    false,
                 ),
                 SwitchToMode(
                     Normal,