Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question below to expand and learn more about AIOS Core, Lean, and how to build addons using the framework.
1. What is AIOS?
AIOS (Advanced Interface Optimization System) is a modern World of Warcraft addon framework designed for developers. It replaces outdated libraries like Ace3 with a faster, modular, service-driven core.
2. Why should I use AIOS over Ace3?
AIOS offers lower memory usage, no redundant global pollution, built-in Lean optimization, and seamless cross-addon communication through SignalHub.
3. What is the Lean Engine?
Lean is AIOS’s automatic memory pooling system. It recycles Lua tables and strings to reduce garbage collector strain and improve FPS stability.
4. Does AIOS require dependencies?
No. AIOS Core is self-contained and does not rely on any external libraries like Ace3 or LibStub.
5. Can AIOS run on Classic and Retail?
Yes. AIOS Core supports all major WoW flavors — Retail (11.x), Classic Era (1.15.x), and MoP Classic (5.4.x).
6. How do addons communicate through AIOS?
Addons can use AIOS.SignalHub to send or receive messages, or rely on AIOS.ServiceRegistry to share data and features.
7. What is the ServiceRegistry?
The ServiceRegistry is AIOS’s built-in dependency manager. It allows addons and modules to register services with version control and metadata, similar to LibStub but smarter.
8. Is AIOS open source?
Yes. The AIOS Core framework and modules are open for community contribution and use. Developers can extend or fork it for new addon projects.
9. How do I install AIOS?
Simply place the AIOS folder in your Interface/AddOns directory. Other addons that use AIOS should include ## Dependencies: AIOS in their TOC files.
10. Can I use AIOS as an embedded library?
Yes, but it’s recommended to use it as a standalone addon dependency to avoid conflicts between embedded versions.
11. How do I view diagnostic data?
Use the in-game command /aiosdiag for a summary, or /aiosdiag full for complete metrics including Lean stats.
12. What performance modes does Lean support?
Lean supports minimal, balanced, aggressive, and conservative optimization profiles.
13. How do I force garbage collection?
Use /aioslean gc to trigger a manual garbage cleanup, useful during debugging or performance tests.
14. Can I see how much memory Lean saves?
Yes. Run /aioslean to view active memory savings, recycled tables, and total optimizations.
15. What’s the difference between SignalHub and EventBus?
SignalHub is cross-addon; EventBus is for internal addon event handling. Both are fast, memory-safe, and independent.
16. Can AIOS help prevent taint?
Yes. AIOS Core avoids unsafe frame hooks and secure templates, ensuring your addon runs without taint propagation in combat lockdown.
17. How do I toggle debug logging?
Type /aiosdebug on to enable detailed logs or /aiosdebug off to silence boot-time messages.
18. Will AIOS get UI frameworks like AceGUI?
Yes. The upcoming AIOS_UIStyles module provides modern, lightweight UI components fully integrated with AIOS Core.
19. Is AIOS compatible with Moonlight?
Not officially. However, AIOS is designed to be modular enough to integrate with external frameworks if needed.
20. Where can I get support?
Join our Discord for real-time help, or visit our CurseForge page for updates and releases.