Libmodules

Libmodules is a software library that provides a standardized framework for organizing and loading modular components within an application. It offers a runtime mechanism for discovering, linking, and unloading modules, enabling extensibility without recompiling the host program.

Its core concepts include module descriptors that specify a module name, version, dependencies, and one or more entry points, a loader that resolves dependency graphs, and a lifecycle model with initialization and finalization callbacks. The system supports late binding and, where feasible, isolation between modules to minimize symbol collisions and improve fault containment.

Implementation generally targets native languages such as C or C++, with language bindings for others. On POSIX platforms, loading typically uses dlopen and dlsym; on Windows, LoadLibrary and GetProcAddress. Libmodules may provide directory-based discovery, optional manifest files, and APIs for configuring search paths. It often enforces compatibility checks for ABI versions and offers structured error reporting and logging.

Common use cases include plugin architectures for editors, media players, game engines, and server applications, where features can be extended by third-party modules. It supports testing by allowing modules to be swapped, and development workflows that support hot-reloading and incremental builds. Benefits include decoupled design, easier maintenance, and the ability to extend functionality at runtime.

See also: dynamic linking, plugin architecture, module system, dependency manager.