🔌 Subsystem Core Overview & Architecture

Authoritative breakdown of Cortex Workstation's core subsystem architecture, lifecycle methods, and module contracts.

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🏛️ Subsystem Core Matrix

Subsystem Module	Primary Interface Classes	Core Lifecycle Functions	Extension & Safety Rules
cortex_unified.core.engine	Engine, SmartScanner	scan(), clean(), cancel()	Strict non-blocking async execution. All filesystem deletions must route through PathGuard.
cortex_unified.system_tools	DirectStorageOptimizer, VssHealthAnalyzer, MftSlackScrubber	scan(), audit(), optimize()	Pure read-only discovery by default. System mutations require explicit confirmation.
cortex_unified.analyzers	PerceptualDuplicateFinder, FuzzyFinder, ContentDefinedChunker	find_duplicates(), hash_file()	Low-memory streaming algorithms with cooperative thread cancellation checkpoints.
NexusExplorer.native	NexusCore, UndoStack, USNJournalScanner	read_directory(), copy_batch(), record_undo()	Fully transactional operations with persistent undo/redo history.
cortex_unified.ui.premium	PremiumMainWindow, PageSpec, TableBinding	load(), _refresh(), _run()	Zero eager imports during bootstrap. All 139 tools load lazily on navigation.

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🧭 Subsystem Deep-Dives

• System Tools Reference: 62 standalone OS optimization and forensic modules.
• Analyzers Reference: 23 deduplication, perceptual hashing, and similarity engines.
• Core Engine & Algorithmic Caches: S3-FIFO, SIEVE cache, FastCDC, and process orchestrator.