pseudonamespace

A pseudonamespace is a term used in computer programming to describe a technique where a programmer simulates the behavior of namespaces without the language providing explicit support for them. This is often achieved through naming conventions, such as prefixing function or variable names with a common string, or by organizing code into specific directories or modules. The goal is to create a logical separation of identifiers, preventing naming conflicts and improving code organization and readability, similar to how true namespaces function.

For example, in languages that lack built-in namespace support, developers might use a prefix like "MyModule_" for all functions and variables belonging to a particular conceptual module. This makes it clear which functions belong to which part of the code. Another common approach involves using objects or classes as containers for related functions and data, effectively creating a nested structure that mimics namespace behavior. While not as robust or automatically enforced as native namespaces, pseudonamespaces are a practical way to manage complexity in programming environments where formal namespace support is absent. This technique is particularly prevalent in older codebases or in languages that were designed before namespaces became a standard feature.