Dependency Management in Software Development
February 28, 2025
Dependencies are external code modules, packages, or frameworks that a project relies on to function properly. Instead of writing everything from scratch, developers use dependencies to leverage existing functionality, such as authentication, database access, or UI components. While dependencies save time and improve efficiency, they can introduce security risks, compatibility issues, and maintenance challenges if not managed properly. Dependency Management in software development is the process of maintaining such dependencies to ensure your team has the latest, safest versions.
Dependencies are the backbone of modern software, but they can also be a weak link if not properly maintained. A significant percentage of breaches can be traced back to outdated or insecure libraries and frameworks, making dependency management essential for secure and stable software development.
Step 1: Inventory Your Dependencies
• Create a list of all the dependencies in your project, including third-party libraries, frameworks, and plugins.
• Use tools like npm ls (Node.js), pip freeze (Python), or maven dependency:tree (Java) to get a clear view of dependencies and their versions.
Step 2: Dependency Scanning
• Set up automated tools to monitor for outdated or vulnerable dependencies.
• Configure these tools to notify you of updates and security patches.
There are two primary approaches you can take to dependency scanning:
Tools on the market help scan for dependency updates, allowing your team to identify and assess necessary updates. While this approach offers greater control, it requires time and effort to test the updates’ impact on the codebase.
Tools like Dependabot (GitHub) and similar tools automate the process by scanning and applying updates for you. However, they may apply updates indiscriminately, potentially introducing issues if changes aren’t thoroughly tested beforehand.
There’s no universally correct answer—it’s about aligning your approach with your organization’s risk tolerance and maturity level. For example:
• Organizations with limited testing capabilities may accept the risks of automated updates.
• More mature teams, with robust testing practices, may prefer manual review to mitigate the potential impact of untested changes.
Choose the method that best fits your strategy and risk management priorities.
Step 3: Update Dependencies Regularly
• Establish a routine for checking and applying updates (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly).
• Prioritize updates flagged as critical or security-related to address vulnerabilities immediately.
Step 4: Test After Updating
• After updating a dependency, run your test suite to ensure compatibility and stability.
• Automate testing and catch issues early.
Step 5: Use Semantic Versioning (SemVer) Awareness
• Understand the versioning scheme of your dependencies:
• MAJOR: Breaking changes (e.g., 2.0.0 → 3.0.0).
• MINOR: New features, backward-compatible (e.g., 2.1.0 → 2.2.0).
• PATCH: Bug fixes, backward-compatible (e.g., 2.1.1 → 2.1.2).
• Be cautious with major version updates and allocate time for thorough testing.
Step 6: Versioning
If you opt for the manual review approach from step 4:
Lock Dependency Versions
• Use lock files (e.g., package-lock.json, Pipfile.lock) to maintain consistent versions across environments.
• Commit lock files to your version control system to prevent unexpected updates during installations.
If you opt for the automatic review approach from step 4:
Review Dependency Versions
• Develop and maintain a clear, documented schedule for scanning and deploying new versions.
• Establish a meticulous review process of the application once new versions are live.
Step 7: Remove Unused Dependencies
• Periodically audit your codebase to identify and remove dependencies no longer in use.
• This reduces your attack surface and simplifies future updates.
Step 8: Monitor for Vulnerabilities in Real-Time
• Subscribe to mailing lists or use tools that notify you of vulnerabilities in the libraries you depend on. Examples include:
• NVD (National Vulnerability Database)
Step 9: Document Your Process
• Maintain clear documentation of your dependency management practices.
• Include guidelines for when and how to update dependencies, and how to handle breaking changes.
By following these steps, you can stay on top of dependency updates, reduce security risks, and maintain a stable, secure application.
Pro Tip: Regular updates don’t just improve security—they can also bring performance improvements and new features to your project.
See how Symbiotic's AI Security Tool can help you with all of your secure coding needs by checking out our solutions here.
