Dependencies are external libraries, modules, or packages that a project relies on in order to function. Rather than writing everything from scratch, developers import dependencies to handle common tasks like HTTP requests, cryptography, or database access. Dependency managers automate installation and version tracking so teams can reproduce environments consistently. While dependencies speed up development, they also expand the system’s attack surface and introduce potential compatibility issues. Large dependency graphs can complicate upgrades or lead to version conflicts. Every modern application, from frontend to backend, depends heavily on external packages.
common pitfalls
Dependencies must be kept up to date to benefit from security patches and performance improvements. Tools like npm or other package managers track semantic versions and lockfile entries. Too many dependencies can slow build times and make debugging harder. Some dependencies may be abandoned, forcing teams to replace them or fork the code. Dependency vulnerabilities are a major risk in DevOps pipelines and must be scanned regularly. When generating code with AI, it's helpful to specify which dependencies are allowed or preferred, ensuring consistent architecture.