Load Mathematica packages from the network

Question

Is it possible to load packages (.m) directly from the network (http, https) without installing it locally?

Answer 1

When loading packages remotely in Mathematica (extension .m) one can use the Import function, which behaves just as Get. However, one must the manually check the need for loading packages (something that is usually dome with Needs).

It is possible to use Import also within the imported package.

In the examples below one loads package Test using Import["https://.../Test1.m"], which automatically loads Test2.m and imports both Test' and Test'Deeptest' namespaces and both funcions firstF and secondF.

File Test1.m, placed somewhere on the WWW server.

    Import["https://.../Test2.m"]
    BeginPackage["Test`"]
      firstF::usage = "firstF[] calls secondF[] and prepends word first"
    Begin["`Private`"]
      firstF[] := "first, " <> Test`DeepTest`secondF[]
    End[ ]
    EndPackage[ ]

File Test2.m, placed somewhere on the WWW server.

    BeginPackage["Test`DeepTest`"]
     secondF::usage = "secondF[] returns string second"
    Begin["`Private`"]
     secondF[] := "second"
    End[ ]
    EndPackage[ ]

Thanks to the image_doctor for providing the initial help.