Allow manual unloading/reloading of GDNative/GDExtention lib files (DLL, etc)

[greenfox1505]

Describe the project you are working on

I am currently working on a plugin for managing my Rust project within the editor.

Describe the problem or limitation you are having in your project

My plugin is a EditorPlugin with a build() function. That build() function calls my compile script for my DLL(s). However, when the compile completes and it tries to overwrite the old DLL, Godot still has them loaded and it can't write to them. Unfocusing the Godot Editor window and running the compile script outside of Godot allows it to complete correctly.

Describe the feature / enhancement and how it helps to overcome the problem or limitation

Add the ablity for a GDNative/GDExtention to be manually disabled/unloaded with GDScript. Perhaps adding a property likeGDNativeLibrary.loaded:bool that can be set to false. Or add unload() and reload() functions.

I haven't used Godot4+GDExtention yet. I don't know if this problem occurs with the new architecture.

Describe how your proposal will work, with code, pseudo-code, mock-ups, and/or diagrams

tool
extends EditorPlugin

var buildableLib:GDNativeLibrary = load("res://myLib.gdnlib")

func build():
	buildableLib.unload() #new function
	var array = []
	var i = OS.execute("bash",["compileScript.sh"],true,array,true)
	print(array)
	buildableLib.reload() #new function
	return i == 0:

If this enhancement will not be used often, can it be worked around with a few lines of script?

No.

Is there a reason why this should be core and not an add-on in the asset library?

At present, it is not possible to update any code that compiles down to a DLL while Godot Editor has window focus.
For other languages to ever be editable within Godot Editor, like what I'm building, core functionality of manually unloading before they can be compiled is needed.

[Bromeon]

Add the ablity for a GDNative/GDExtention to be manually disabled/unloaded with GDScript. Perhaps adding a property likeGDNativeLibrary.loaded:bool that can be set to false. Or add unload() and reload() functions.

In GDExtension, this can be achieved with the GDExtensionManager API, which has methods to load/reload/unload individual extensions. In addition, hot-reloading has been implemented in godotengine/godot#80284, so that the Godot editor automatically picks up new DLL versions.

As such, I think what you want is now possible.