# Framework Architecture Forge is organized around domain modules. A domain usually has SQF addon entry points, Rust models, repository traits, service logic, extension command handlers, and optional browser UI. ## Runtime Flow ![Architectural Flow Diagram](images/architecture-flow.svg) ```text Arma client UI or SQF action -> client addon bridge -> server addon function -> forge_server callExtension command -> extension command group -> forge-services domain service -> forge-repositories trait -> SurrealDB repository implementation -> SurrealDB ``` For small payloads, server SQF calls `forge_server` directly through the extension bridge. For large payloads, `arma/server/addons/extension` stages request and response chunks through the extension transport module. ## Main Layers ### Client Addons Client addons live under `arma/client/addons`. They own local player UX, keybinds, browser UI dialogs, and UI-to-SQF event handling. When a client needs durable or authoritative state, it routes work to the matching server addon instead of touching persistence directly. ### Server Addons Server addons live under `arma/server/addons`. They own server-side SQF initialization, game-object integration, validation near the Arma runtime, and calls into the Rust extension. The `extension` addon is the shared bridge for `callExtension` and transport handling. ### Rust Extension The server extension lives under `arma/server/extension`. It registers the `forge_server` command groups, loads configuration, initializes SurrealDB, and maps SQF command inputs into service calls. The extension should stay thin: - Parse and validate command arguments that arrive from SQF. - Resolve Arma-specific context such as player UID when required. - Call the matching service. - Serialize the service result back to JSON or a simple string. ### Shared Rust Crates The `lib` workspace contains reusable Rust crates: - `forge-models`: shared domain structs and serialization rules. - `forge-repositories`: storage-agnostic repository traits and in-memory implementations used by tests and hot-state services. - `forge-services`: domain behavior, validation, and mutation workflows. - `forge-shared`: cross-crate helpers. ### Persistence Durable storage is SurrealDB. Schema modules live under `arma/server/extension/src/schema`, and concrete SurrealDB repository implementations live under `arma/server/extension/src/storage`. Repository traits stay in `lib/repositories` so service logic remains testable without a database. ## Hot State Several domains have `hot` command groups. Hot state keeps a runtime copy of frequently accessed data in memory, then saves it back to durable storage when requested. This is useful for player state that changes often during a session. Typical hot-state flow: ```text actor:hot:init actor:hot:get actor:hot:override actor:hot:save actor:hot:remove ``` Use hot state for session workflows. Use normal domain commands for direct durable CRUD operations. ## Transport Layer The transport layer exists because Arma extension calls have practical payload size limits. It provides chunked request and response handling while still routing to the same domain command groups. Common direct command: ```sqf "forge_server" callExtension ["status", []]; ``` Common transport path: ```text server addon fnc_extCall -> transport:request:append -> transport:invoke_stored -> transport:response:get ``` ## Configuration The server extension reads `config.toml` next to the extension DLL. The current persistence section is: ```toml [surreal] endpoint = "127.0.0.1:8000" namespace = "forge" database = "main" username = "root" password = "root" connect_timeout_ms = 5000 ``` `config.toml` is a launch prerequisite for server owners and developers. The file must exist beside `forge_server_x64.dll`, and SurrealDB must already be running at the configured endpoint before starting a Forge-enabled dedicated server or local multiplayer test. Clients and mission designers do not run this configuration unless they are hosting locally, but the server they connect to must have it in place. For install links and role-based setup guidance, see [SurrealDB Setup](./surrealdb-setup.md). Check persistence readiness before issuing commands that require storage: ```sqf "forge_server" callExtension ["status", []]; "forge_server" callExtension ["surreal:status", []]; ```