execls

Execls are a theoretical format intended to package executable class definitions and their runtime metadata in a single artifact. The term merges executable code (exe) with class definitions (cls) and is used to describe components that can be loaded and run by a compatible runtime without exposing source code. Proposals around execls envision self-contained units that carry the code for one or more classes, a bytecode or intermediate representation, a manifest describing version, dependencies and entry points, and a small runtime environment for loading, reflection, and invocation.

A typical execl artifact would include: class definitions, a class metadata table, a dependency graph, a policy for security and sandboxing, and an installation manifest. The runtime would validate signatures, resolve dependencies, enforce isolation, and provide a uniform API for method invocation. Execls are intended for modular architectures such as plugin systems, microservices, and distributed applications, where deploying a single artifact with backward-compatible interfaces can simplify versioning and distribution.

Current status: execls are not an established standard. They appear in academic proposals and experimental toolchains and have limited practical deployment due to concerns over security, standardization, and performance. They are often discussed in relation to existing module and bytecode technologies (for example, class files, assemblies, or WebAssembly modules) as a point of comparison rather than a drop-in replacement.

See also: class file, module, plugin architecture, WebAssembly, bytecode, component model.