Rmodule

Rmodule is a modular software construct used to organize code into reusable, independently versioned units. Each Rmodule encapsulates related functions, data structures, and resources behind a defined export interface, and it typically depends on other Rmodules through a declared set of requirements. The term is generic and does not denote a single official standard; instead, it describes a design pattern found in multiple language ecosystems that support modularization.

Core concepts include namespace isolation, explicit dependencies, versioning, and a lifecycle from creation to distribution and loading. An Rmodule's public API is intended to be stable across releases, while internal implementations may evolve. A manifest or metadata file records the module's name, version, compatible environments, entry points, and dependency graph. Rmodules may be packaged as archives or language-specific packages and are loaded by a module loader that resolves dependencies, enforces visibility rules, and permits dynamic or lazy loading where supported.

Use cases for Rmodules include large applications with plugin architectures, enterprise systems requiring clear component boundaries, and environments that favor isolation between components for security or stability. Benefits include improved maintainability, testability, and deployment flexibility, while potential drawbacks involve dependency conflicts, version skew, and increased complexity in managing inter-module relationships.

Relation to other concepts: Rmodules are similar to libraries, packages, or plugins in other ecosystems but emphasize modular boundaries and clean interface contracts. See also modular programming, software packaging, and plugin architecture.