# Python implementation

The executable [`../w3dev`](../w3dev) loads this package from its own checkout.
Source-only help and unit tests need no game process, receipt or downloaded
toolchain. `../cli.py` and `../native.py` remain compatibility entry points;
new code imports package modules instead of those wrappers.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A["w3dev"] --> B["cli_app and catalog"]
    B --> C["debugger owner"]
    C --> D["debug_runtime"]
    D --> E["native and wire"]
    E --> F["Game-side bridge"]
    C --> G["debug_journal"]
    B --> H["Inspection and asset tools"]
```

| Module group | Responsibility |
| --- | --- |
| `cli_app`, `catalog`, `arguments`, `diagnostics` | JSON commands, help and input bounds. |
| `debugger`, `debug_runtime`, `debug_journal`, `debug_recovery` | Single owner, finite operations, receipts and recovery. |
| `native`, `wire`, `support`, `game_paths`, `lifecycle` | Game transport, installation identity and owned-file checks. |
| `overlay`, `overlay_flash`, `ui_assets`, `ui_driver` | Publications, HUD build and strict UI selectors. |
| `experiments`, `encounters`, `runner`, `performance` | Optional bounded experiments and presentation evidence. |

Installation paths are resolved from configuration, not from the current
working directory. Source/resource paths resolve from the repository root.
The bridge builder reads the ordered templates in [`../scripts/`](../scripts/README.md);
the UI builder uses the portable index in [`../research/`](../research/README.md).
Do not import consumer-policy code into this package.