hot-reload

Name: hot-reload
Availability: InStock
Author: radical-beard

Explain Bestow's hot reload system for Lua development with safe coding patterns.

Updated Aug 27, 2026

Search Tags:#game development #debugging #rapid iteration #hot reload #bestow #lua development

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/radical-beard/bestow --skill hot-reload-radical-beard

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: hot-reload
Source: https://github.com/radical-beard/bestow/tree/main/template/.claude/skills/hot-reload
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/radical-beard/bestow --skill hot-reload-radical-beard

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps developers understand and leverage Bestow's hot reload system to achieve rapid iteration cycles by ensuring code and state persist correctly across reloads.

Core Features & Use Cases

Understanding Reload Mechanics: Learn how Bestow re-executes Lua files and replaces modules.
Safe Coding Practices: Implement patterns that prevent stale references and ensure data persistence.
Debugging Reload Issues: Identify and fix common problems like stale data, duplicate subscriptions, and state resets.
Use Case: When developing a game feature, you can modify your Lua scripts and see the changes reflected in the running game instantly, without a full restart, drastically speeding up the development loop.

Quick Start

Use the hot-reload skill to understand how to access app.* variables safely within functions to ensure they are always current after a reload.

Frequently Asked Questions about hot-reload

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How does hot reload work for Lua game development?▼

Hot reload in Lua game development re-executes Lua files and replaces modules instantly. This allows you to modify game scripts and see changes reflected in the running game without requiring a full restart.

How do I avoid stale references when implementing hot reload?▼

To avoid stale references during hot reload, access `app.*` namespace variables safely within functions. This coding pattern ensures your data is always current after a module re-execution.

What is the best way to manage persistent game state across reloads?▼

The best way to manage persistent game state is by using `app.main.state`. This ensures your game data persists correctly across module re-executions and replacements during rapid iteration.

How do I debug common issues like duplicate subscriptions in a hot reload system?▼

Debug hot reload issues by identifying stale data and duplicate subscriptions caused by module re-execution. Safe coding patterns and state management strategies help resolve these common problems.

Does Bestow support safe asset handling during rapid iteration?▼

Yes, Bestow supports safe asset handling during rapid iteration. The system provides specific debugging strategies and coding patterns to ensure assets and state are managed correctly across reloads.