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Website explainer · 1:47

Software Dependencies Explained: The Other Code Your Website Uses

Does every line of website code come from the same developer? Projects often rely on reusable packages maintained by other people.

Jersey Web video: Your website uses other code

1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.

Download the on-screen text track (VTT)

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

  1. Step 1: A dependency supplies other code

    A project can use a package to provide a needed feature.

    On-screen labels: Reusable package; Required feature; Project dependency.

  2. Step 2: The package has an identity

    Its name and version identify the intended component.

    On-screen labels: Package name; Package version; Project declaration.

  3. Step 3: Dependencies can have their own

    One package may rely on additional packages in turn.

    On-screen labels: Direct dependency; Further dependencies; Dependency tree.

  4. Step 4: Development tools count too

    Build tools and testing tools can be dependencies of the project.

    On-screen labels: Build tooling; Testing tooling; Runtime code.

  5. Step 5: Updates need review

    Check maintenance, compatibility and relevant security information.

    On-screen labels: Maintainer guidance; Release notes; Compatibility checks.

  6. Step 6: Keep a reproducible project

    Retain the dependency declarations and relevant lockfile for handover.

    On-screen labels: Project declaration; Relevant lockfile; Setup instructions.

A practical check for your business

Maintain a useful list of important libraries and services the site depends on. Review update responsibilities and the impact of a failed dependency on actual visitor tasks.

Sources and further detail

Common questions

Does every line of website code come from the same developer?

Projects often rely on reusable packages maintained by other people. Know what the project uses and how it is maintained.

Go further

Guide Read the practical guide More context for planning and maintaining your business website. 5 min read → Jargon Buster Dependency explained Read the related Jargon Buster explanation. Read the explanation →

Know what the project uses and how it is maintained.

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