What is dependency tracking in software development?

What is dependency tracking in software development?

Dependency tracking is the process of monitoring and managing the relationships between different components in software. It helps ensure that changes in one part of the system do not negatively impact others.

Why is it important to track dependencies?

Tracking dependencies is crucial for maintaining software stability, facilitating updates, and preventing issues that arise from outdated or incompatible components.

Can you give an example of dependency tracking in action?

Sure! For instance, in a web application, if a library like jQuery is updated, dependency tracking helps identify all the parts of the application that rely on it, ensuring they are compatible with the new version.

What tools can help with dependency tracking?

There are several tools available, such as npm for JavaScript projects, Maven for Java, and Bundler for Ruby, which help manage and track dependencies effectively.