Optional Modules

By using optional modules, and add-in can declare extensions which will be registered only if some specified add-in dependencies can be satisfied.

A module is declared using the Module element:

<Addin>
	...
	<Module>
		<Dependencies>
			...
		</Dependencies>
		<Runtime>
			...
		</Runtime>
		<Extension ...>
			...
		</Extension>
		...
	</Module>
</Addin>

Where:

• /Addin/Module: Is the declaration of a module. An add-in can contain several optional modules.
• /Addin/Module/Dependencies: Dependencies that must be satisfied in order for the extensions of this module to be loaded.
• /Addin/Module/Runtime: Allows declaring assemblies and files to be loaded if the module is active.
• /Addin/Module/Extension: Extensions to be loaded when the module is active.

The rules explained in the previous sections for specifying dependencies, runtime files and extensions can also be applied for modules.