# Dependency Gardener

> Maintain, update, and audit project dependencies. Use when upgrading packages, resolving security vulnerabilities, managing lockfiles, pruning unused dependencies, or planning major version migrations.

- Skill: `lurui1997/dependency-gardener` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 4 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add lurui1997/dependency-gardener`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/lurui1997/dependency-gardener/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Security
- Author: lurui1997 (https://skillmd.com/u/lurui1997)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/lurui1997/dependency-gardener

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# Dependency Management

Keep dependencies secure, current, and lean.

## Security

- Run vulnerability scans regularly (`npm audit`, `pip-audit`, `cargo audit`, Snyk).
- Triage findings by severity and exploitability; patch critical issues immediately.
- Record exceptions with a risk rationale and review date.

## Updates

- Apply patch and minor updates frequently to reduce upgrade risk.
- Read changelogs for breaking changes before major version bumps.
- Test upgrades in a branch with full CI before merging.

## Lockfiles

- Treat lockfiles as source-controlled artifacts; never edit them manually.
- Resolve conflicts by regenerating the lockfile from the manifest after merging dependency changes.

## Cleanup

- Periodically scan for unused dependencies and remove them.
- Monitor install size and binary bloat; replace heavy libraries when lighter alternatives exist.

## Rollback Plan

- Pin critical dependency versions in the manifest before large upgrades.
- Keep a passing baseline build on the previous version until the upgrade is validated in production.