Why You Should Think Twice Before Adding That Dependency

In the world of software development, it’s tempting to reach for the next shiny library or framework. After all, who wants to reinvent the wheel when someone else has already packaged it up with a pretty bow?

But here’s the thing: every dependency you introduce into your project is a decision to cede control to someone else. Their priorities, their roadmap, their schedule. And more often than not, those decisions don’t align perfectly with yours.

Let’s talk about why avoiding dependencies—or at least minimizing them—should be a core principle of your engineering philosophy.

Dependencies Lock You In

Dependencies seem harmless at first. A few lines of import here and a composer install or npm install there. But each dependency:

• Ties your project’s stability to someone else’s codebase.
• Introduces hidden complexity—what happens when a minor update introduces a subtle bug that breaks your system?
• Increases your attack surface—you’re implicitly trusting that maintainers handle security correctly.

Now imagine this across dozens of dependencies, some of which depend on others you didn’t even realize. It’s a house of cards. And when the maintainers of a key package decide to change directions, drop support, or abandon the project altogether, you’re the one left holding the bag.

Choose Dependencies Wisely

That doesn’t mean you should never use dependencies. Some problems are too complex or time-consuming to solve yourself—think cryptography libraries, well-tested HTTP clients, or proven serialization frameworks.

But the key is to choose dependencies deliberately, not out of convenience. Ask yourself:

• Does this library solve a genuinely hard problem that I don’t want to own?
• Is it stable and well-maintained, with a clear roadmap?
• Can I limit its usage to a specific, non-critical layer of my system?

If you can’t answer “yes” to these, maybe it’s not worth the tradeoff.

Wrap Every Dependency

Here’s a rule that will save your sanity later:

Never let a third-party dependency touch your core logic directly.

Wrap it. Build an adapter layer or a service wrapper around it. This gives you control and flexibility. If you need to switch libraries later—or even build your own replacement—it’s a matter of swapping out the wrapper, not untangling calls scattered throughout your codebase.

This isn’t just about code cleanliness. It’s about architectural resilience. Dependencies should feel like plugins, not pillars.

Plan for Replacement

Expect to replace every dependency eventually. Even if it’s perfect today, the world changes:

• The library may be abandoned or deprecated.
• A better alternative might emerge.
• Your system’s needs might outgrow what the library can offer.

If you plan for this from the start—by keeping dependencies isolated and swappable—you’ll save yourself months of pain down the line.

Strive for Zero

The truth is, in most projects, you’ll need some dependencies. But the goal isn’t to ban them outright—it’s to minimize them. When you aim for a system that’s self-reliant, you:

• Gain full control over your codebase’s evolution.
• Reduce unexpected surprises from breaking changes or vulnerabilities.
• Ensure long-term maintainability without external crutches.

It’s a mindset. Zero dependencies is the ideal—not always attainable, but a compass that guides your decisions.

Other Considerations You Shouldn’t Miss

• Vendor Lock-in: Beyond code dependencies, think about cloud providers, CI/CD tools, and infrastructure-as-code frameworks. They’re dependencies too.
• License Risks: Are you sure the library’s license is compatible with your project? Ignoring this can lead to legal headaches.
• Cognitive Overhead: Every new dependency adds mental load for your team. They need to learn it, understand its quirks, and stay updated on changes.
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Recent attacks on the software supply chain (remember SolarWinds, log4j?) show that even trusted dependencies can become attack vectors.

Finally

Software development is as much about what you don’t add as what you do. Be intentional. Be cautious. Be prepared.

Aim for a codebase where external dependencies are used sparingly, wrapped completely, and replaceable at will. Strive for zero. Even if you don’t reach it, the discipline will make your system leaner, more robust, and future-proof.

Support Us