rfcs/docs/require-by-string-glob-imports.md

Glob import syntax for require-by-string

Motivation

• Cross-runtime automated testing
• Auto-requiring ecs systems
• Commands for things like discord bots
• Module loaders in general
• Type safety (even if it's typed to be unknown, it's better than typecasting to any.)
• Cyclical dependency reporting
• This would be required for static cross-compilation or whatever the term is

Design

• directory/** for descendants
• directory/* for children
• Alphanumeric ordering

local children = require("directory/*)") -- array
local descendants = require("directory/**") -- array

Alternatives

• Provide a dictionary where { [name]: return value }?
  • In descendants, this might cause duplicates.
  • Include file extension? Can have duplicates if no file extension.

Drawbacks

• Cross-runtime ordering?
• OS causes implementation concerns?
• Type concerns?
• Might promote bad patterns?