dependencydepends

Dependencydepends is a term used in the theory of software dependency graphs to denote a direct functional dependency relation between components. It designates that component A requires component B to provide its core functionality, such that A cannot operate correctly without B being present. The relation is intended to complement other dependency annotations by focusing on runtime or functional necessity rather than build-time requirements.

Formally, dependencydepends is a binary relation D where D(A,B) holds if A depends on B for correct operation. It is typically irreflexive and tends to be acyclic in well-formed graphs, though cycles can indicate tightly coupled or problematic designs.

Relation to other terms: It differs from build-depends or requires in many ecosystems, which often emphasize compilation or packaging constraints. dependencydepends concentrates on the runtime or functional obligation. When combined with transitive closure, it helps determine the minimal runtime environment and aids impact analysis.

Usage and notation: In a hypothetical manifest, an entry such as dependencydepends: B signals that A requires B at runtime. Some systems support conditional dependencydepends, where A depends on B only if a feature or platform condition is enabled.

History and status: dependencydepends is primarily a conceptual construct used in theoretical discussions and experimental tooling and is not universally standardized. Its precise semantics can vary between ecosystems, so practitioners should consult project-specific documentation when applying it.