Distribution mechanisms for Tcl source and binaries

   * [Teacup] - a tool for fetching and managing modules from a repository
   * [Tcl Modules] - a single file that contains a package and can be [source]d
   * [package] - command for loading and managing code, usually installed in Tcl's lib directory
   * [source] - command to load a Tcl source file
   * [load] - load a shared library (DLL or SO file)
   * [auto_load] - load a command using the tclIndex files in the auto-load path

[KJN] I have started this page because I am beginning to get confused by the number of possible distribution mechanisms.  Have ''auto_load'' and ''load'' have been made obsolete by ''package''?

Please discuss.

----
[LV] I'm confused by what you mean by ''distribution mechanism''. Do you mean '''formats in which code can be distributed to users''' or do you mean '''mechanisms by which users can locate new extensions''' or do you mean "means by which a program can invoke other code''' or what?

The reason I ask is because Teacup seems different than the other items on the above list - and there are certainly other repositories other than teacup.

Also, I don't see listed in the above list things like "zip files", "starkits", "tar files", "opening a file and reading in code", "exec", "opening a pipe", etc.

Perhaps after we know better what you are after, more information can be
added.


----

''See also:''

   * [package require]
   * [unknown]
----
[Category Distribution]