Systems
Dependency
Plain English
Something another part relies on.
Definition
A dependency is a component or glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term that another part of the system relies on to function.
In practice
Includes glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term, glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term, APIs, or glossaryInfrastructureInfrastructure refers to the underlying systems and resources that support applications and services.Open glossary term components.
In context
The ones that hurt are the invisible ones. A team discovers mid-glossarySprintA sprint is a fixed time period where a team completes a set of planned work.Open glossary term that their glossaryReleaseA release is the point at which a product or feature is made available to users. It marks the transition from development to real-world use and often involves deployment, communication, and monitoring.Open glossary term is gated by another team's change nobody had recorded anywhere.
The reality
Too many glossaryDependenciesDependencies are tasks, systems, or teams that must be completed or available before other work can proceed.Open glossary term increase risk and reduce glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term stability.
Compared with
Dependency vs Integration
A dependency is something you rely on to function. An glossaryIntegrationIntegration is the process of connecting different systems, tools, or services to work together.Open glossary term is a connection you have built. Every integration creates glossaryDependenciesDependencies are tasks, systems, or teams that must be completed or available before other work can proceed.Open glossary term, but plenty of dependencies (glossaryLibraryA library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform common tasks.Open glossary term, shared services, teams) are not integrations.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is a dependency?
It is something a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term relies on to work.
Why are dependencies important?
They enable reuse and functionality.
What is a risk of dependencies?
They can break or introduce issues.
How do you manage dependencies?
Through glossaryVersionA version is a specific iteration of software or a product at a point in time.Open glossary term control and monitoring.
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