Dynamic Loading
Dynamic loading is a programming technique where code modules, libraries, or resources are loaded into memory at runtime rather than at compile or link time. It allows applications to load functionality on-demand, improving startup performance and reducing memory footprint. This is commonly used in plugin architectures, lazy loading of features, and modular software design.
Developers should use dynamic loading when building extensible applications that need to support plugins or optional features, as it enables adding functionality without recompiling the main application. It's also valuable for optimizing performance in large applications by loading code only when needed, such as in web applications for lazy-loading components or in desktop software for modular add-ons.