GModuleFlags

GModuleFlags is a bitmask enumeration used in certain software development frameworks, most notably in the Unity game engine, to define various attributes or behaviors of a module. Modules in Unity are reusable components that encapsulate functionality, such as rendering, physics, or networking. GModuleFlags allow developers to specify how these modules should be initialized, loaded, or processed during runtime.

The flags are typically represented as a set of named constants, each corresponding to a specific module behavior. Common flags include options like enabling or disabling a module, marking it as essential for core functionality, or controlling its loading priority. For example, a module might be flagged as `G_MODULE_FLAG_ENABLED` to indicate it should be active by default, or `G_MODULE_FLAG_OPTIONAL` to suggest it is not critical for basic operation.

In Unity, GModuleFlags are often used in conjunction with the `GModule` struct, which holds metadata about a module, including its name, version, and associated flags. These flags influence how the engine loads and manages modules, particularly in modular architectures where certain features can be dynamically added or removed without recompiling the entire application.

Developers can combine multiple flags using bitwise operations to create custom module configurations. For instance, a module might be set to `G_MODULE_FLAG_ENABLED | G_MODULE_FLAG_OPTIONAL` to indicate it is both active and non-critical. This flexibility allows for greater control over module behavior, enabling features like runtime module swapping or conditional loading based on platform or user preferences.

While primarily associated with Unity, similar concepts exist in other modular systems, where flags serve as a standardized way to define module properties. Understanding GModuleFlags is essential for working with modular architectures in Unity, as it helps ensure modules are correctly initialized and integrated into the application’s workflow.