Should You Store Third-Party Libraries in Your Source Control?
Managing third-party libraries in your software projects can often feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, you want to ensure your application remains functional, while on the other, you want to avoid bloating your version control repository with heavy library files. This dilemma is common among developers: Should libraries that the application relies on be stored in source control? Let’s explore the pros and cons and discuss best practices for handling this situation.
Understanding the Dilemma
When developing an application, reliance on external libraries is almost inevitable. However, including these libraries in your version control system raises some questions:
- Size Concerns: Many libraries, especially those containing extensive features, can be quite large—sometimes larger than your entire application.
- Versioning Issues: Keeping track of which version of the library your application requires can become complicated, creating potential for discrepancies in builds.
- Long-Term Maintenance: If you need to reference the application ten years from now, how can you ensure that all necessary components are readily available?
These concerns lead many developers to ask: what is the best practice for storing third-party libraries in the context of source control?
Recommended Practices
1. Store Everything You Need
One of the most straightforward approaches is to store everything needed to build the project. This method ensures that future you (or other developers) can replicate the project exactly as it was when it was last built. Consider the following:
- Include Entire Distributions: Some developers advocate for storing the entire zip distribution of any third-party library. This includes all necessary files needed for your project to run correctly, protecting against future unavailability of the library.
- Plan for Longevity: Imagine needing to build your project a decade from now. What would you need? Store those dependencies now to avoid headaches later.
2. Leverage Modern Dependency Management Tools
As of 2017, the landscape regarding dependency management changed significantly. Instead of manually managing libraries, consider using specialized tools that simplify this process:
- Use Dependency Management Servers: If you are using modern build tools like Maven or Gradle, setting up a dependency management server is key. Popular options include:
These services allow you to manage your dependencies in an organized manner while avoiding unnecessary bloat in your version control.
3. Regular Backups and Maintenance
Regardless of the method you choose, ensure you have strong backup systems in place. Key points include:
- Backup Your Version Control: Consistently back up your repositories, including your dependencies stored within them.
- Keep Old Dependencies: Choose your dependency management tools wisely, ensuring they retain previous versions as you may need to revert to them later.
Conclusion
Managing third-party libraries is a balancing act that every developer must navigate. While storing large libraries directly in source control may seem cumbersome, it guarantees that you have everything needed for future builds. Conversely, adopting a more modern approach through dependency management systems can streamline your workflow and maintain a cleaner repository.
To summarize:
- Store what you need for long-term builds.
- Consider modern tools for dependency management.
- Always back up and retain older versions.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently manage third-party libraries and set your projects up for long-term success.