When you're adding a package to a project, do you take the time to evaluate it properly or do you just hit 'npm install' and hope for the best? I'm curious about how many developers really check things like GitHub stars, the last commit date, open issues, and the risk associated with using a package. I've started to pay more attention to these factors, and it's shocking to see how many packages I depend on haven't been updated in years or have only one maintainer who isn't active. It feels like we should have better tools that alert us when a dependency is basically abandoned, especially before building an entire application on top of it.
5 Answers
I usually glance at the commit history, star count, and how active the project is. Nothing too in-depth, but enough to ensure it hasn't been abandoned for years or created recently.
I usually try to install only what's necessary. If it's a small feature, I prefer to build it myself. Otherwise, I check the package's downloads, latest release, and any open issues.
It really depends on the project. I install less frequently, but when I do, I prefer highly-rated packages. If I'm handling client data, I thoroughly check everything, but for less critical stuff, I take more risks.
I have a checklist now since I ran into issues before. I check the last commit date, the number of maintainers, and the open issue ratio. If something hasn't been updated in over a year, that's a red flag for me!
I check dependencies and their dependencies too! I tend to avoid installing third-party packages without a compelling reason. The ones I do install, I look for wide adoption and regular updates.
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