Codio uses controlled vocabulary fields to classify libraries and express policy. This page explains what the values mean and when to use each one.
The kind field describes what a library is.
| Value | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
internal |
Code owned by this project | src/schema_tools/ |
external_mirror |
Local copy of an external codebase | A cloned repo kept for reference |
utility |
Shared utility library | Cross-project helper functions |
Internal libraries are the strongest candidates for reuse — they already exist in the project, have no external dependency risk, and are maintained locally.
Mirrors are reference material. They let you study an external library’s source without depending on network access, but they may be out of date with upstream.
Utilities are shared code that doesn’t belong to a single project. They sit between internal and external.
The priority field expresses project investment.
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
tier1 |
Core dependency, well-understood, documented |
tier2 |
Important but not critical |
tier3 |
Low priority, optional, or experimental |
Priority affects discovery ranking: tier1 candidates sort before tier2 and tier3.
The runtime_import field states how a library participates in execution.
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
internal |
Imported directly at runtime |
pip_only |
Installed via pip but not imported directly by project code |
reference_only |
Referenced in docs or config only — not approved for import |
This distinction matters because a library that appears in the registry may not be appropriate for runtime use.
The decision_default field records the standing engineering decision for a library.
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
existing |
Use the internal implementation as-is |
wrap |
Wrap the external library behind project APIs |
direct |
Use the external library directly |
new |
Write new code (no suitable prior art) |
When codio discover finds a candidate, it recommends a decision based on the top candidate’s decision_default.
The status field tracks lifecycle state.
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
active |
Currently in use |
candidate |
Under consideration for adoption |
deprecated |
Scheduled for removal |