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:

npm link

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 node_modules of the hosting project. This approach eliminates the need for virtual linking and shared packages inside node_modules.

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.