Some software has two "levels" execution. A primary level, which is developed by the vendor, and secondary level which may be provided by the users to perform relatively complicated custom logic -- logic beyond that would be reasonable for simple configuration or a UI.
Is there a name for this?
Consider a software system that "delegates" execution points to some other language or runtime entirely. These are systems that have some level of "scripting."
For example, say I have a web application written in .NET which has a workflow engine. This engine can be configured, and might even have a UI to drag boxes and arrows around.
However, at the end of a workflow step, I also allow the option for my users to provide some JavaScript that is executed server-side that produces the next workflow recipient. It can execute whatever logic it wants -- all the engine cares about is the result it returns.
So, the PRIMARY execution engine delegates control to a SECONDARY execution engine, then incorporates the result that comes back into further execution.
I intuitively know about this architecture model, and I've used models like it many times, but I'd like to know if there's an accepted, general name for this model.
(Note: I am fully aware that I may have answered by own question in the title. If so, let me know.)
Is there a name for this?
Consider a software system that "delegates" execution points to some other language or runtime entirely. These are systems that have some level of "scripting."
For example, say I have a web application written in .NET which has a workflow engine. This engine can be configured, and might even have a UI to drag boxes and arrows around.
However, at the end of a workflow step, I also allow the option for my users to provide some JavaScript that is executed server-side that produces the next workflow recipient. It can execute whatever logic it wants -- all the engine cares about is the result it returns.
So, the PRIMARY execution engine delegates control to a SECONDARY execution engine, then incorporates the result that comes back into further execution.
I intuitively know about this architecture model, and I've used models like it many times, but I'd like to know if there's an accepted, general name for this model.
(Note: I am fully aware that I may have answered by own question in the title. If so, let me know.)