dependency
Pronunciation: deh-PEN-den-see
An external library, package, or module that a software project requires in order to build or run correctly.
Full Definition
In developer tools contexts, a dependency is any third-party or internal component that a project relies upon. Dependencies are typically declared in a manifest file (such as package.json for Node.js or requirements.txt for Python) and resolved by a package manager. A distinction is made between runtime dependencies (needed for the software to run) and development dependencies (needed only during development, such as testing frameworks). Editors should note that 'dependencies' is the correct plural; 'dependancies' is a common misspelling. 'Dependency hell' is a colloquial term for conflicts between incompatible dependency versions.
Usage
Usage note: Correct spelling: 'dependency' (not 'dependancy'). Distinguish between runtime dependencies and devDependencies in documentation.
In Context
- "All production dependencies are listed under the 'dependencies' key in package.json." — Node.js project setup guide
- "A circular dependency between modules caused the build to fail." — Bug report