memex/notes/closos-multiple-environments.org

CLOSOS: Multiple Simultaneous Environments

• Concept
• Key Principles
• Source

Concept

CLOSOS supports multiple simultaneous global environments, where an environment is a mapping from names to objects (functions, classes, packages).

Key Principles

• Isolation by Scope: Each user or process can operate in a private environment. Redefining a system function (like `print-object`) in one environment does not affect other users.
• Dynamic Adaptability: Facilitates safe experimentation with new features without risking system-wide corruption.
• Late Binding: References are resolved against the current environment at compile/load time, enabling live updates and hot-reloading.

Source

• Robert Strandh, "CLOSOS: Specification of a Lisp operating system" (2013)