Implementing Plugins

Is there some sort of de facto instructions on how to implement cordova plugins? I’m sorry, but the extensive fragmentation of queries, answers, failures, successes, and what not; and current documentation is actually far more confusing and frustrating on the simple requirement to get a plugin to work. For example, I have managed to install the following plugins using “sudo cordova plugin add [insert plugin name here]” or “sudo ionic plugin add [insert plugin name here]”:

  1. de.appplant.cordova.plugin.local-notification
  2. org.apache.cordova.dialogs
  3. org.apache.cordova.file
  4. org.apache.cordova.file-transfer

The plugins have been added to my “plugins/ios.json” and “plugins/android.json” files, and also my “package.json” file. However, I cannot access these cordova objects in the “lab” (e.g. ionic serve --lab). Objects such as “FileTransfer”, “cordova”, or “navigator.notification.dialog( )” do not exist within the window object in Safari web inspector.

I am confused on the exact path that should be followed. Please help. Thanks. -Albert