Advanced module systems (invited talk): a guide for the perplexed

ABSTRACT

The past three decades have seen a plethora of language features for large-scale software composition. Some of these are fairly simple, others quite sophisticated. Each embodies an implicit claim that its particular combination of features is both necessary and sufficient for some problem domain. But there have been few attempts to compare module systems, or to explain the practical and theoretical issues that motivate the choices they embody. This can make it difficult to evaluate which features are really needed for a given setting, and which may be overkill.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.3 Language Constructs and Features
          Subjects: Modules, packages

General Terms:
Design, Languages, Performance, Theory