# Bun Add an optional dependency

> Add an optional dependency

- Skill: `jarle/bun-add-an-optional-dependency` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add jarle/bun-add-an-optional-dependency`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/jarle/bun-add-an-optional-dependency/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: jarle (https://skillmd.com/u/jarle)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/jarle/bun-add-an-optional-dependency

---


# Add an optional dependency

To add an npm package as an optional dependency, use the `--optional` flag.

```sh terminal icon="terminal" theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"dracula"}}
bun add zod --optional
```

***

This will add the package to `optionalDependencies` in `package.json`.

```json package.json icon="file-json" theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"dracula"}}
{
  "optionalDependencies": {
    "zod": "^3.0.0" // [!code ++]
  }
}
```

***

See [Docs > Package manager](/pm/cli/install) for complete documentation of Bun's package manager.