Is there any explanation of what the "Virtual dependency" schema property type does in the Synchronization Editor?

Is there any explanation of what the "Virtual dependency" schema property type does in the Synchronization Editor?  This property type is only available after launching the Synchronization Editor with the "-d" developer mode argument.

The description text states that it "Provides a virtual dependency to control execution"; but I'm hoping to get a better explanation of what it actually does, before considering using it in PROD.

Using version 8.1

  • The use-case for the "Virtual dependency" schema property is very rare, therefore the recommendation is "Do not use it unless otherwise instructed by support.". That's the main reason why it is hidden via the -d command-line switch.

    I know that it was introduced and used in the AD synchronization project to optimize the automatic-dependency resolution algorithm due to the nature of the group membership attributes of AD groups (members are in DN or SID notation).