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Discussion on: The node_modules problem

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dermoench42 profile image
Ervin Peters

We already know for decades that hiding complexity from the programming user makes systems more complex. Especially in node, where everyone tells you to depend on explicit versions. npm handles version dependencies, nuget doesn't. Remember the dll hell in Windows? Same symptom.
Maybe we should ask ourself if it wouldn't be better to focus on API Versions and limit them to 2. That means as long as there is an old version needed, a new one can't be established. Additionally there might be a notification: "a" upgrades the API from Module "x". Your project depends on "x", we recommend to upgrade this dependency. As long as it isn't upgraded, the API of Module "x" can't be developed further.

Remember the developer terms 'responsibility' and 'KISS'?