# What Are the LoopX Dependencies?

> Discover LoopX dependencies. This Python library boasts zero runtime dependencies, utilizing only the standard library for a streamlined experience.

- Repository: [huangruiteng/loopx](https://github.com/huangruiteng/loopx)
- Tags: api-reference
- Published: 2026-08-15

---

**LoopX has zero runtime dependencies and relies entirely on the Python standard library.**

The `huangruiteng/loopx` repository is architected as a lightweight control-plane framework that eliminates external package dependencies entirely. This design choice makes LoopX ideal for environments where minimizing third-party installations is critical.

## LoopX Runtime Dependencies (Zero)

The core LoopX package declares **no runtime dependencies**. This is explicitly codified in [`pyproject.toml`](https://github.com/huangruiteng/loopx/blob/main/pyproject.toml):

```toml
[project]
dependencies = []          # ← no packages required at runtime

```

This empty `dependencies` array means a standard `pip install loopx` pulls in absolutely no external wheels. The codebase achieves this by restricting all imports to Python's standard library across every module.

Key source files verify this zero-dependency claim:

- **[`loopx/__init__.py`](https://github.com/huangruiteng/loopx/blob/main/loopx/__init__.py)** — Exposes the public API with no third-party imports
- **[`loopx/entrypoint.py`](https://github.com/huangruiteng/loopx/blob/main/loopx/entrypoint.py)** — Implements the `loopx` CLI using only stdlib modules
- **[`loopx/extensions/manifest.py`](https://github.com/huangruiteng/loopx/blob/main/loopx/extensions/manifest.py)** — Registers extension metadata without external dependencies

Optional extension providers (such as the Lark provider or OpenViking semantic-preference provider) are bundled as entry-points but similarly declare no additional `install_requires` entries.

## Optional Development Dependencies

While runtime usage requires no external packages, LoopX maintains a `test` extra for contributors running the test suite and linting tools:

| Extra | Packages |
|-------|----------|
| `test` | `jsonschema>=4.23,<5` <br/> `pytest>=8,<9` <br/> `pytest-cov>=5,<7` <br/> `pytest-xdist>=3,<4` <br/> `ruff>=0.12,<0.16` <br/> `mypy>=1.18,<2` |

These packages are **strictly optional** and only install when explicitly requested.

## Installation Commands

Install LoopX for production use (no dependencies pulled):

```bash
pip install loopx

```

Install with test dependencies for development:

```bash
pip install "loopx[test]"

```

Verify the CLI works immediately:

```bash
loopx --help

```

## Why Zero Dependencies Matter

Choosing a framework with no LoopX dependencies provides several operational advantages:

- **Reduced supply chain attack surface** — No transitive dependency tree to audit
- **Faster container builds** — Smaller image sizes without external wheel downloads
- **Simpler air-gapped deployments** — Standard library suffices for full functionality
- **Predictable behavior** — No version conflicts or breaking changes from upstream packages

## Python Version Requirements

LoopX targets **Python 3.11+**. This modern baseline provides sufficient standard library capabilities (including improved `asyncio` support and `tomllib` for TOML parsing) to implement framework features without external helpers.

## Summary

- LoopX declares **zero runtime dependencies** in [`pyproject.toml`](https://github.com/huangruiteng/loopx/blob/main/pyproject.toml)
- The entire codebase uses only Python standard library modules
- Optional `test` extra provides pytest, mypy, ruff, and related tools for development
- Installation requires only `pip install loopx` with no additional flags
- Extensions and entry-points maintain the same zero-dependency constraint

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does LoopX require any packages to be installed?

No. LoopX operates entirely on the Python standard library. The `dependencies = []` declaration in [`pyproject.toml`](https://github.com/huangruiteng/loopx/blob/main/pyproject.toml) ensures `pip install loopx` pulls in zero external packages.

### What packages are included in the test extra?

The `test` extra includes `jsonschema`, `pytest`, `pytest-cov`, `pytest-xdist`, `ruff`, and `mypy` with pinned version ranges. These support linting, type-checking, and test execution during development only.

### Can LoopX extensions add their own dependencies?

No. Extension providers bundled with LoopX (such as the Lark or OpenViking providers) are implemented using only standard library imports and do not declare additional `install_requires` entries.

### What Python version does LoopX require?

LoopX requires **Python 3.11 or newer**. This version provides sufficient standard library functionality to implement all framework features without third-party packages.