Optdepends

Optdepends is a concept found in package management systems, particularly in Linux distributions like Arch Linux, that refers to optional dependencies. Unlike standard dependencies, which are mandatory for a package to function, optdepends are packages that are not strictly required but provide additional features, improved functionality, or better user experience when installed alongside the primary package. These optional dependencies are often listed in the package's metadata and can be installed by the user at their discretion.

The purpose of optdepends is to keep base package installations lean and efficient while allowing users to customize their system with desired enhancements. For example, a media player package might have an optdepend for a specific codec library that enables playback of a particular audio or video format. Without the codec, the media player would still work for other formats, but with it installed, the user gains broader compatibility. Package managers typically provide mechanisms to install these optdepends alongside the main package during the installation process, or they can be added later. This approach promotes modularity and reduces the overhead of installing unnecessary components for users who do not require them.