Simplifying Dependency Management: A Comparison of npm-link and relative-deps
As a developer, managing dependencies is an essential part of the development process. When working on a project and its dependencies simultaneously, it can be challenging to ensure that changes are reflected in both places. In this article, we’ll explore two tools designed to simplify dependency management: npm-link and relative-deps.
What is npm-link?
npm-link is a two-step process that creates a symlink between a dependency and a project. First, you create a global symlink for the dependency using the npm link command. Then, you tell your project to use the dependency from the symlink by running npm link [dependency-name]. While this approach works, it has several limitations, which we’ll discuss later.
What is relative-deps?
relative-deps is a tool that installs dependencies from a local checkout and keeps them in sync without the limitations of npm-link. To use relative-deps, you first initialize it in the dependency directory using npx relative-deps init. Then, you navigate to your project directory and execute npx relative-deps add ../dependency. This links the dependency to your project, and any changes will be automatically updated.
Key Differences Between npm-link and relative-deps
The primary difference between npm-link and relative-deps lies in their approach to linking dependencies. npm-link creates a virtual link, whereas relative-deps builds the “linked” library on prepare, packs it, and unpacks it in the nodemodules of the hosting project. This approach eliminates the need for virtual linking and shared packages inside nodemodules.
Limitations of npm-link
npm-link has several limitations, including:
- Same Node Version: Both commands must have the same Node version number.
- Nonexistent Linking: Accidentally creating a link for a non-existent dependency will result in an error.
- Link Removal: Linking multiple packages is not possible, as previously linked packages will be removed first.
Advantages of relative-deps
relative-deps offers several advantages over npm-link, including:
- Works with Shared Dependencies: relative-deps works with peer/shared dependencies, eliminating confusion caused by duplicate dependencies.
- Includes N Number of Dependencies: You can set multiple dependencies using relative-deps, which can be installed and used simultaneously.
- Set Watch Mode: relative-deps allows you to set watch mode with a debounce time of 500 milliseconds, enabling hot reload and automatic updates.
- Error Handling: relative-deps throws an error when attempting to set a non-existent dependency, ensuring that you’re aware of any issues.
By understanding the differences between npm-link and relative-deps, you can choose the best tool for your dependency management needs. With its flexibility and ease of use, relative-deps is an excellent choice for simplifying dependency management in your projects.