Built because native development deserves better architecture.
Forsetti exists to solve a real problem: native platform development needs disciplined modular architecture that is enforced by the runtime, not merely suggested by convention. It is developed by James Daley as a Raven Forge Software project, with the goal of making modular Apple and Windows applications more explicit, validated, and maintainable.
The Problem
Apple and Windows provide excellent native tools for building individual applications. As applications grow, developers repeatedly face the same architectural challenges: how to break a monolithic codebase into independent modules, how to manage dependencies between those modules, how to gate features based on entitlements or policy, and how to coordinate UI contributions without fragile coupling.
The common response is a collection of ad-hoc patterns: service locators, dependency injection containers, protocol witnesses, and convention-based module systems. Each project reinvents these patterns, each with different trade-offs, failure modes, and levels of enforcement.
Forsetti takes a stricter approach. Instead of relying on developers to remember architecture rules, it provides a runtime that validates and mediates modular boundaries as part of the system itself.
What We Believe
Enforcement Over Convention
Architecture rules that rely on developer discipline will eventually be broken. Architecture enforced by a runtime cannot be broken. Forsetti chooses enforcement.
Native Means Native
Cross-platform abstractions add layers, indirection, and compromise. Forsetti is built entirely in Swift for Swift, using the type system and platform APIs as they were designed to be used.
Explicit Contracts
Every interaction between a module and the host application is defined by a typed contract. There are no implicit couplings, no string-based lookups, and no runtime surprises.
Fail Early, Fail Clearly
Problems caught before activation are cheaper than problems discovered in production. Forsetti validates everything upfront and provides structured error reporting when things go wrong.
Why "Forsetti"?
In Norse mythology, Forsetti is the god of justice and reconciliation. He presides over disputes, ensures fairness, and maintains order among competing parties.
The framework does the same for modular applications. It mediates between independent modules, enforces the rules that govern their interactions, and ensures each module operates within its defined boundaries. The name reflects the framework's core purpose: maintaining architectural order.
Project Goals
Production-Grade Runtime
Forsetti is not a proof-of-concept. It is a production-grade framework designed to run in shipping applications on the App Store. Stability, performance, and reliability are non-negotiable.
Comprehensive Documentation
A framework is only as good as its documentation. Every public API, every concept, and every integration pattern is documented with explanations, examples, and reference material.
Long-Term Support
Building on a framework is a long-term commitment. Forsetti follows semantic versioning, maintains backward compatibility, and provides clear migration paths between major versions.
Community & Ecosystem
The source and architecture are available on GitHub for evaluation and discussion under the applicable repository terms. The goal is a healthy ecosystem of modules, tools, and shared knowledge built on disciplined architecture.
Open Development
Forsetti is developed transparently. The source and architecture are available on GitHub for evaluation and review under the applicable repository terms, and development direction is shared as the project evolves.
Bug reports, feature requests, documentation corrections, and technical discussion are welcome through the repository channels. If you are evaluating Forsetti and encounter a problem or have an idea, the GitHub repository is the place to start the conversation.
A Raven Forge Software Project
Forsetti Framework is developed by James Daley and published under the Raven Forge Software name. Raven Forge Software is the public-facing home for James Daley's software engineering, framework design, systems architecture, and applied research projects.
Forsetti reflects the same design philosophy used across the Raven Forge project family: explicit contracts, disciplined boundaries, native platform integration, long-term maintainability, and architecture that is built to endure.
Get involved.
Explore the framework, read the documentation, or follow development on GitHub. Bug reports, technical discussion, and documentation feedback are welcome through the repository channels.