scopedepends

Scopedepends is a term used in some software packaging and build systems to describe dependencies that are relevant only within a particular scope or phase of a project’s lifecycle. Unlike global or runtime dependencies, scopedepends are declared to apply only when building, testing, or running in a chosen context. This allows finer-grained control over what must be available at each stage and can reduce unnecessary installations.

Usage and semantics

Scopedepends are typically declared in a package manifest or build configuration under a dedicated section or keys that assign dependencies to named scopes. Each entry associates a scope label (for example, build, host, target, test, or runtime) with one or more dependencies and optional version constraints. The exact syntax and supported scopes vary by system, but the common idea is to separate concerns so that only the needed dependencies for a given activity are pulled in.

Interaction with other dependency types

Scopedepends often coexist with standard dependencies (depends) and with test or development dependencies. They help distinguish what is required to compile a package from what is needed to run it or to test it. Proper use of scopedepends can reduce footprint, speed up builds, and improve reproducibility by avoiding the installation of unnecessary libraries for a given operation.

Limitations and considerations

Not all package managers implement scopedepends, and the concept may differ in terminology or scope granularity across systems. Designers must ensure consistent resolution across scopes and avoid circular or conflicting declarations. When supported, scopedepends should be documented alongside other dependency concepts to aid maintainability.

See also

Depends, build-depends, test-depends, scope-aware packaging, dependency resolution.