Optional Dependencies
Optional dependencies are software packages or libraries that are not required for the core functionality of an application but provide additional features or enhancements when installed. They allow developers to create modular applications where certain components can be conditionally included based on user needs or system capabilities. This concept is commonly implemented in package managers and build tools to manage flexible dependency structures.
Developers should use optional dependencies when building applications that need to support multiple configurations or environments without bloating the core installation. For example, in data science projects, optional dependencies might include GPU-accelerated libraries for users with compatible hardware, while others can use CPU-only versions. They are also useful in plugins/extensions systems, where additional functionality can be added on-demand without forcing all users to install unnecessary packages.