Autoloading
Autoloading is a programming concept that automatically loads classes, functions, or other code dependencies only when they are needed at runtime, rather than requiring explicit manual inclusion. It is commonly implemented in languages like PHP, Python, and JavaScript to streamline code organization and improve performance by reducing initial load times. This mechanism typically uses a mapping system, such as a class-to-file path convention or a configuration file, to locate and include the necessary files on-demand.
Developers should use autoloading in large-scale applications or frameworks where managing numerous dependencies manually becomes cumbersome and error-prone, as it simplifies code maintenance and enhances modularity. It is particularly valuable in object-oriented programming for automatically loading class files when they are instantiated, reducing boilerplate code and improving development efficiency. For example, in PHP projects using Composer, autoloading is essential for managing third-party libraries and custom code without manual require statements.