DITOOLS is structured around a runtime module (DI runtime) that cooperates with the dynamic loader and linker to support extension and flexible composition. Once the program, together with all its dependencies, has been loaded by the system, the DI runtime gains control and performs some post-load processing (see figure 1), according to the needs for this individual run. This is done using existing mechanisms, as mentioned in section 2.2.
It is interesting to note that this tool works entirely at user level, without kernel support, and without administrator privileges. The scope of the tool can be easily controlled, so it can manage from single programs to entire sessions and multiple users.
DITOOLS processing can be driven by a configuration file or it can be driven using a programming interface, or some combination of both approaches. DITOOLS allows two main classes of operations: loading of new functionality and manipulation of bindings. Both kinds of operations will be explained in detail in the following sections.