Introduction to Stealthy Require: Elevate Your Node.js Capabilities

`stealthy-require` is a powerful tool designed for developers seeking finer control over Node.js module caching. It enables importing modules in such a way that they bypass Node’s cache, allowing for cleaner module handling and the ability to load multiple instances of a module without conflicts.

Core API Explanations and Examples

Basic Usage

The most straightforward use of `stealthy-require` is to load a module without caching it:

  const stealthyRequire = require('stealthy-require');
  const uncachedModule = stealthyRequire(require.cache, function () {
    return require('some-module');
  });

Loading Multiple Instances of a Module

Sometimes you may need to load multiple instances of the same module, `stealthy-require` makes it simple:

  const instanceOne = stealthyRequire(require.cache, function () {
    return require('some-module');
  });

  const instanceTwo = stealthyRequire(require.cache, function () {
    return require('some-module');
  });

Preserving Specific Modules

You may want to keep certain modules cached while reloading others.

  const instanceWithPreservedModules = stealthyRequire(require.cache, function () {
    return require('some-module');
  }, function () {
    return {
      'preserved-module': require('preserved-module')
    };
  });

Additional API Usage

Clearing Cache For Specific Modules

If you need to explicitly clear the cache for specific modules, use this approach:

  const stealthyRequire = require('stealthy-require');
  
  function clearModuleFromCache(moduleName) {
    delete require.cache[require.resolve(moduleName)];
  }
  
  clearModuleFromCache('some-module');

Advanced Requiring

For more complex use cases, you can control the requiring process by wrapping it with additional logic:

  const stealthyRequire = require('stealthy-require');
  
  const advancedRequire = stealthyRequire(require.cache, function () {
    // Custom logic before requiring
    console.log('Loading module');

    const moduleInstance = require('some-module');
    
    // Custom logic after requiring
    console.log('Module loaded');
    
    return moduleInstance;
  });

Example Application: Multi-Instance Plugin Loader

Let’s see how `stealthy-require` can be used in a more concrete example. Imagine building a plugin system where each plugin needs to load its own instance of libraries without conflicts:

  const stealthyRequire = require('stealthy-require');

  class Plugin {
    constructor(pluginName) {
      this.name = pluginName;
      this.module = stealthyRequire(require.cache, () => {
        return require(`./plugins/${pluginName}`);
      });
    }

    run() {
      this.module.run();
    }
  }

  const plugins = ['pluginA', 'pluginB'].map(name => new Plugin(name));

  plugins.forEach(plugin => plugin.run());

In this example, `stealthy-require` ensures each plugin loads its dependencies separately, preventing version conflicts and maintaining modularity.

Conclusion

`stealthy-require` is a versatile tool for advanced module handling in Node.js. It is especially useful for scenarios involving multiple instances or plugin systems. With the provided API details and examples, you can leverage `stealthy-require` to enhance your Node.js applications.

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