> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://radon-2.gitbook.io/saturn-swapper-plugins/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://radon-2.gitbook.io/saturn-swapper-plugins/radon/the-runtime.md).

# The Runtime

On this page, we will discuss what the runtime is, and why it's important

## What is the Runtime responsible for?

The runtime is the most important part of plugins, it's what executes the compiled plugin's instructions. \
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The runtime is responsible for memory management and garbage collection, along with the swapping logic. \
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The runtime also maintains backward compatibility so that older plugins can be run on newer runtime versions, meaning you don't have to update your plugins in order to use them on newer runtime versions.