Initialdepends

Initialdepends is a term used in some package managers and build systems to describe a set of dependencies that must be satisfied during the initialization or bootstrapping phase of a software system. It denotes the components required before any application logic runs, helping to establish a ready and predictable runtime environment. The concept is distinct from runtime dependencies, test dependencies, or optional features, which may be loaded or activated later in the lifecycle.

In practice, initialdepends may appear as a dedicated field in a manifest or as a node in a dependency graph. It typically lists core libraries, initialization scripts, and other essentials with possible version constraints. The goal is to guarantee that the foundational pieces are present early, so startup sequences can execute correctly and deterministically.

When resolving dependencies, systems treating initialdepends prioritize this subset first. The resolver must ensure all items in initialdepends are satisfied before proceeding to resolve non-initial dependencies. This can help prevent startup failures due to missing or mismatched foundational components and can improve reproducibility across environments. Some implementations allow variations of initialdepends for different targets or configurations, enabling tailored bootstraps.

Example: a manifest might include initialdepends: core-lib >=1.2, init-scripts >=0.5, platform-shims. Runtime dependencies could then follow, such as application modules or plugins.

Related concepts include bootstrap processes, dependency graphs, and manifest schemas. While not universal, initialdepends provides a structured approach to guaranteeing a stable foundation at system startup.