namedcalled

Namedcalled is a programming pattern described as a dynamic function invocation method in which the name of a function is provided at runtime and resolved to a callable entity before execution. The term is not standardized in major programming language literature but has appeared in informal discussions to contrast static references to functions with name-based dispatch.

Implementation typically involves a registry or map that associates string identifiers with function objects. A caller supplies a name and arguments; a dispatcher looks up the corresponding function and invokes it. This approach relies on first-class functions, reflection, or meta-programming features available in the host language. Some languages provide built-in support for dynamic lookup, while others implement it via explicit dictionaries or registries.

Common applications include command interpreters, plugin systems, test harnesses, and configuration-driven controllers, where behavior can be extended or altered without code changes. It supports runtime extensibility but at the cost of potential errors if a name is misspelled or if untrusted input selects a harmful function. To improve robustness, implementations often validate names against a whitelist, restrict registry access, and log or audit dynamic dispatch decisions.

Notes: Namedcalled is a descriptive label rather than a formal language construct. It should not be confused with call-by-name evaluation, a different concept in programming language theory, nor with named parameters, which are a separate mechanism for passing arguments by name.