supportintrinsic

Supportintrinsic is a term in software engineering describing a design principle that emphasizes embedding the essential support structures and functionality of a system within its core architecture. The idea contrasts with relying on external libraries, frameworks, or optional components for core capabilities. In practice, it promotes stable, self-contained modules and explicit contracts so core features remain usable even when external dependencies change or fail.

Origin and usage: The phrase appears in informal discussions about modularity and architecture, without a formal standard or specification. It is used to weigh how much functionality should be built into the core versus provided by external services, packages, or platform features.

Core criteria include self-containment, minimal external dependencies, well-defined interfaces, and explicit compatibility guarantees. An intrinsic approach favors reproducible builds, testability, and portability, while keeping optional capabilities decoupled from the core. Teams may measure it by the share of core functionality implemented without third-party code and the stability of core interfaces.

Applications and impact: In library design, supportintrinsic can reduce risk from breaking changes in external ecosystems. In microservices and modular systems, it supports service independence and smoother updates. Drawbacks include higher initial development effort and slower iteration.

See also: coupling, cohesion, dependency management, modular design.