How do you control web app dependencies?

1 Use a dependency manager

A dependency manager is a tool that helps you install, update, and remove dependencies for your web app. It also keeps track of the versions and configurations of the dependencies, and ensures that they are compatible with your app and each other. Some examples of dependency managers are npm for Node.js, pip for Python, or Maven for Java. Using a dependency manager can help you avoid manual errors, reduce code duplication, and simplify deployment.

2 Specify dependency versions

One way to control web app dependencies is to specify the exact versions of the libraries or packages that you need for your app. This can prevent unexpected changes or bugs that might occur when a dependency is updated or modified by its author. You can use a configuration file, such as package.json for npm or requirements.txt for pip, to list the dependency names and versions that your app depends on. You can also use semantic versioning to indicate the level of compatibility between different versions of a dependency.

3 Check dependency licenses

Another way to control web app dependencies is to check the licenses of the libraries or packages that you use for your app. Licenses are legal agreements that define how you can use, modify, or distribute the dependencies. Some licenses are more restrictive than others, and might impose conditions or obligations that affect your app or your users. For example, some licenses might require you to disclose the source code of your app, or to include a copyright notice or a disclaimer. You can use a tool, such as License Finder or FOSSA, to scan and analyze the licenses of your dependencies.

4 Review dependency security

A third way to control web app dependencies is to review the security of the libraries or packages that you use for your app. Dependencies can introduce vulnerabilities or weaknesses that can compromise your app or your data. For example, a dependency might have a bug that allows an attacker to execute malicious code, or to access sensitive information. You can use a tool, such as Snyk or Dependabot, to monitor and alert you of any security issues or updates related to your dependencies.

5 Minimize dependency size

A fourth way to control web app dependencies is to minimize the size of the libraries or packages that you use for your app. Dependencies can increase the size and complexity of your app, which can affect its performance, loading time, or bandwidth consumption. For example, a dependency might include unnecessary or unused features, or might have other dependencies that you do not need. You can use a tool, such as Webpack or Parcel, to bundle and optimize your dependencies, and remove any redundant or unused code.

6 Test dependency changes

A fifth way to control web app dependencies is to test any changes that you make to the libraries or packages that you use for your app. Changes can include adding, updating, or removing dependencies, or changing their versions or configurations. Testing can help you verify that your app still works as expected, and that there are no errors or conflicts caused by the changes. You can use a tool, such as Jest or Mocha, to write and run automated tests for your app, and to ensure its quality and functionality.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?