What are the downsides of using a monorepo?

What are the downsides of using a monorepo?

Some downsides of using a monorepo include increased build times, complexity in dependency management, and potential for larger repository sizes.

Can you explain how build times are affected?

In a monorepo, as the codebase grows, the build process can become slower because it often needs to compile more code, even for small changes.

What about dependency management? Why is it more complex?

Dependency management can be more complex in a monorepo because changes in one package can affect others, requiring careful coordination and testing.

Are there any strategies to mitigate these downsides?

Yes, strategies include using incremental builds, optimizing CI/CD pipelines, and implementing strict versioning and testing practices.

Is there a specific type of project that benefits from a monorepo despite these downsides?

Yes, large projects with many interdependent components can benefit from a monorepo, as it simplifies collaboration and code sharing.