What are the pros and cons of manual vs automated dependency removal?

What are the pros and cons of manual vs automated dependency removal?

Manual dependency removal allows for greater control and understanding of the code, but it can be time-consuming and error-prone. Automated removal is faster and can handle large codebases efficiently, but it may miss nuances that a human would catch.

Can you give me examples of when to use each method?

Sure! Use manual removal when you need to ensure that specific dependencies are handled carefully, like in legacy systems. Automated removal is great for modern applications where speed is essential, especially during refactoring.

What tools can help with automated dependency removal?

There are several tools like npm-check, DependaBot, and Gradle that can assist with automated dependency management and removal.

Are there any risks associated with automated dependency removal?

Yes, risks include potential breaking changes, missing dependencies that are not detected, and the possibility of introducing bugs if the automated tool isn't configured correctly.