Is 'dependency' the same as 'library'?

Not exactly. A library is any reusable code. A dependency is specifically a library or service your code needs to work. All dependencies are libraries, but not all libraries are dependencies in your project.

Why do engineers worry about having too many dependencies?

More dependencies mean more code you don't control, which increases security risk, bundle size, and the chance of version conflicts. They also make your project harder to maintain and slower to install.

What's a 'transitive dependency'?

It's a dependency of your dependency. If your code uses library A, and library A uses library B, then B is a transitive dependency of your project — even though you didn't install it directly.

How do I check my project's dependencies?

Most languages have package managers that show your dependencies. In Node.js, check package.json or run 'npm list'. In Python, use pip list. In Java, check pom.xml or build.gradle.

What's a 'circular dependency' and why is it bad?

A circular dependency is when module A depends on B, and B depends on A. This creates an infinite loop and prevents the code from running properly. It's usually a sign of poor architecture.

Should I update my dependencies regularly?

Yes, especially for security patches. However, always test thoroughly after updates, as new versions might contain breaking changes that affect your code.

What Does "Dependency" Mean in Tech?

Say it like this

✓We have a dependency on React

✓This library has too many dependencies

✓We need to update our dependencies

✓That's a dependency conflict

✓Let's remove that dependency

✓We're dependent on that service

Real examples

Standup

"We're blocked because we're waiting on a new version of the authentication dependency."

Slack message

"Hey team, we should audit our dependencies for security vulnerabilities this sprint."

Code review

"Adding this new dependency would increase our bundle size by 2MB. Is it really necessary?"

Jira ticket

"Dependency: Backend API must implement endpoint X before frontend team can proceed."

Retrospective

"We spent too much time managing version conflicts between dependencies. We need better automation."

Interview

"How do you approach managing dependencies in a large monorepo?"

GitHub PR

"This PR introduces a new dependency on lodash-es. Can we use the built-in JavaScript methods instead?"

Don't say this

✕We depend on this library.

✓We have a dependency on this library.— In tech English, we typically say 'have a dependency' or 'are dependent on', not 'depend on' alone.

✕The dependency versions are incompatible.

✓There's a version conflict between the dependencies.— Dependencies themselves don't have versions; the packages have versions. A 'version conflict' is the clearer term.

✕We need to remove all dependencies to be safe.

✓We need to minimize unnecessary dependencies.— All real projects need dependencies. The goal is to reduce *unnecessary* ones, not eliminate all of them.

Other forms

noun

dependency

"This project has three main dependencies."

noun (plural)

dependencies

"We manage our dependencies with npm."

adjective

dependent

"Our service is dependent on the payment gateway API."

verb phrase

depend on

"The frontend depends on the backend API to function."

Often used with

external dependencyA library or service outside your codebase that your code needs

manage dependenciesInstall, update, and maintain all the libraries your project uses

dependency conflictWhen two parts of your code need different versions of the same library

dependency injectionA design pattern where dependencies are provided to a component rather than hardcoded

circular dependencyWhen module A depends on B, and B depends on A — causes problems

transitive dependencyA dependency of your dependency (e.g., A uses B, B uses C, so A transitively depends on C)

Similar words

libraryMore general; any reusable code. A dependency is specifically something your code needs.

packageThe bundled form of a library. Package and dependency are often used interchangeably.

external serviceWhen the dependency is an API or microservice, not a code library.

requirementBroader term; dependencies are a specific type of requirement.

moduleA piece of code your system needs. Dependency emphasizes the reliance aspect.

Opposites

self-containedstandaloneindependentzero dependenciesbuilt-in

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Dependency in context

1. Your manager asks about the new authentication feature. What's the most natural way to explain the situation?

We can't start because we depend on the backend API team.We have a dependency on the backend API team finishing their work first.The backend API team is our dependency.We are depending on the backend API.

Which sentence has a mistake?

2. Pick the sentence that sounds unnatural or incorrect to a native speaker:

We should audit our dependencies for security issues.This project has too many dependencies.We depend on this package to work.There's a dependency conflict between two libraries.

Complete the sentence

3. Our frontend application has a _____ on the React library to render UI components.

Rewrite in tech English

4. Rewrite this sentence to sound more natural in a tech environment: 'We rely on this third-party tool because we need it to function.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "dependency" in a standup this week?

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