Externally-initiated runtime type extension

A method for extending a software development framework that includes a runtime environment, the method comprising:

• identifying a plurality of originally immutable types managed by the runtime environment, wherein the plurality of originally immutable types are statically defined, and wherein the software development framework includes a framework class library that defines the plurality of originally immutable types;
• causing the runtime environment to expose an interface casting interface, which is structured to enable a non-runtime component to communicate with the runtime environment, the non-runtime component being external relative to the software development framework;
• receiving, through the interface casting interface, a supplied interface that is supplied by the non-runtime component and that is structured to extend the plurality of originally immutable types, wherein:
• the supplied interface is supplied to the runtime environment by the non-runtime component without waiting for the runtime environment to extend the plurality of originally immutable types and without the plurality of originally immutable types taking action,
• extension of the plurality of originally immutable types via the supplied interface enables other computing entities to also use the plurality of originally immutable types via the supplied interface, and
• the extension is facilitated by the non-runtime component;
• determining that the supplied interface is to be added to the plurality of originally immutable types;
• instructing the runtime environment to supply the supplied interface to the plurality of originally immutable types, resulting in extension of the plurality of originally immutable types, such that the plurality of originally immutable types are enhanced to include new functionality;
• and
• providing the other computing entities with access to the plurality of originally immutable types.

A method for extending a software development framework that includes a runtime environment, the method being implemented by a non-runtime component and comprising:

• identifying a plurality of originally immutable types managed by the runtime environment, wherein the plurality of originally immutable types are statically defined, and wherein the software development framework includes a framework class library that defines the plurality of originally immutable types;
• causing the runtime environment to expose an interface casting interface, which is structured to enable the non-runtime component to communicate with the runtime environment, the non-runtime component being external relative to the software development framework;
• receiving, through the interface casting interface, a supplied interface that is supplied by the non-runtime component and that is structured to extend the plurality of originally immutable types despite the plurality of originally immutable types being statically defined, wherein:
• the supplied interface is supplied to the runtime environment by the non-runtime component without waiting for the runtime environment to extend the plurality of originally immutable types and without the plurality of originally immutable types taking action,
• extension of the plurality of originally immutable types via the supplied interface enables other computing entities to also use the plurality of originally immutable types via the supplied interface, and
• the extension is facilitated by the non-runtime component;
• determining that the supplied interface is to be added to the plurality of originally immutable types;
• instructing the runtime environment to implement the supplied interface for the plurality of originally immutable types, resulting in extension of the plurality of originally immutable types, such that the plurality of originally immutable types are enhanced to include new functionality;
• and
• providing the other computing entities with access to the plurality of originally immutable types.