# graceful_optional_dependency_degradation

## v1

**Why this iteration:** Lifted from `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-05-15-profiling-system-design.md` §"Graceful Degradation" (lines 138-143) + the `tracy_integration.py` reference implementation (lines 144-197). When an optional dependency (e.g., `pytracy` for Tracy profiling) is not installed or not connected, the app must continue normally. The pattern: wrap the import in `try/except Exception`, set a module-level `_tracy_available: bool = False` flag, gate every zone call on the flag, log a startup warning. No crash, no feature breakage.
**Source:** `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-05-15-profiling-system-design.md:138-197`

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**Lifted:** 2026-07-03 (scavenge sweep batch 2/5: docs/superpowers/specs/)