nmodular

Nmodular is a software framework and runtime designed to support modular application development. It enables applications to be constructed from independent modules that expose stable interfaces and can be loaded, replaced, or updated at runtime without restarting the entire system.

The core concept of Nmodular is the module, a self-contained unit that provides functionality and consumes services through a defined interface. A central runtime manages the module graph, dependency resolution, and lifecycles, while a lightweight message bus and event system enables communication between modules.

Modules are packaged with metadata describing dependencies, version constraints, and capabilities. The framework supports isolation through sandboxing and resource quotas, and provides mechanisms for dependency injection, configuration management, and feature toggling to facilitate safe deployments.

Nmodular targets environments where modularity and extensibility are important, including large web applications, edge devices, and cloud-based services. It has an ecosystem of official modules for common concerns such as authentication, data storage, and logging, and supports third-party plugins.

The project emphasizes a formal module lifecycle, testing strategies, and governance to manage module compatibility across releases. Critics note that the learning curve and overhead of maintaining module boundaries can be substantial, though proponents highlight improved maintainability and scalability.

See also: modular programming, plugin architecture, service-oriented architecture, dependency injection.