Dependencies and Upkeep

One of the most important things to understand in web development are dependencies.

Any implemented module that is long term comes with both a liability and functionality. It's the web developers job to know if there any security vulnerabilities on any added implementation.

In technical terms, I have to be as thorough as possible in my understanding of the projects architecture to see where there are potential downsides to any new packages being added.

This concept of dependency also lives outside of web development. For example, the owner of website would be dependent on a web developer to provide the experience they seek to express while gaining a return on investment. The web developer is dependent on their client for payment, transparent guidelines, and media assets.

A more human example would be to look at how human societies typically function. We are interdependent, albeit highly memetic, life forms mingling with one another. We are in need of one another to sustain our level of living. A higher level of living, in turn, comes with the dependency of specialization. We cannot do everything all at once without designating other entities to assist us in our endeavors.

Dependencies, given the context, is the act of trust between you and another entity. You have to trust that whoever or whatever you are working with functions exactly how it is stated to function. In turn, the variable that is being utilized is dependent on constant upkeep to be active when you need it.

As our systems grow and are used, upkeep takes precedence. We must ensure that whatever is working will keep working as efficiently as it already is. There is always a chance that dependencies may have breaking changes in your code resulting in UI issues or even catastrophic failure.

Constant interaction with these variables ensures that you know what is going on. Treating the issue is a different problem as that requires both an understanding and the skill set to fix said issue. If one cannot do that, then seeking out another dependency to fill that role is vitally important.

In conclusion, dependencies are subjectively important. While it may have downsides regarding security, it can grant you momentum and speed which is highly valuable in web development.