execdeps

Execdeps, short for execution dependencies, is a term used in software engineering to describe the set of libraries, binaries, resources, and services that an application requires at run time in order to operate. This concept is distinct from compile-time or link-time dependencies, which are needed to build or link the executable but may not be required once the program runs. Understanding execdeps helps improve deployment portability, reproducibility, and security by making runtime requirements explicit.

Execdeps are typically captured in a manifest or metadata file associated with an application or package. The manifest lists required components, their versions, and the sources from which they can be obtained. A runtime resolver or loader uses this information to assemble an execution environment that satisfies the dependencies, performing compatibility checks and, in some implementations, integrity verification and sandboxing.

Common approaches to managing execdeps include bundling dependencies into a self-contained package (fat binaries), using a system or language-specific package manager to supply runtime libraries, or building layer-cached environments such as container images where dependencies are declared and layered. In container and cloud environments, execdeps help ensure consistent behavior across machines by isolating the application from host changes.

Limitations and challenges include dependency drift, security risks from outdated components, and increased image size. Effective management often involves version pinning, reproducible builds, and automated testing across target environments.

See also: runtime dependency, dynamic linking, dependency management, package manifest, container image, reproducible builds.