COBModule

COBModule is a modular software framework intended to enable applications to be extended by assembling independently developed modules into a cohesive runtime system. It provides a consistent mechanism for declaring what a module offers and what it depends on, and for wiring modules together at load time or run time.

Core concepts center on modules, manifests, and a central registry. Each module specifies metadata, dependencies, and the interfaces it provides or requires. COBModule resolves the dependency graph, loads modules in a defined order, and manages their lifecycle. A lightweight service registry and an event bus facilitate communication between modules without requiring tight coupling. The framework supports versioned interfaces and can offer isolation or sandboxing to improve security and stability.

The architecture generally comprises a core module loader, a module registry, and adapters for various runtimes or languages. Modules can be discovered through a file-based manifest, a remote repository, or explicit configuration. Depending on configuration, modules may be loaded at startup or added and removed at runtime, with optional hot-swapping capabilities in some deployments.

Typical use cases include plugin-enabled applications, development environments, data processing pipelines, and IoT gateways. COBModule aims to reduce coupling between components, simplify updates, and enable flexible composition of features without rebuilding the entire application.

Platform and compatibility notes emphasize cross-platform design and extensibility through adapters. Licensing and governance are project-dependent, with an emphasis on clear APIs and stable module contracts across minor versions.

See also: Plug-in architecture, Component-based software engineering, OSGi.