How to Use NPM Libraries that Might get Deprecated..!📦
Tags: javascript, react, npm, packagemanager
Published: 2024-06-17 10:17:04

In the world of JavaScript development, utilizing third-party libraries from npm (Node Package Manager) is common practice. However, what happens when a library you rely on becomes deprecated or is no longer maintained?
 
**Fear not!!**

This blog will guide you through the process of effectively using and customizing deprecated npm libraries to fit seamlessly into your projects.🛠️

**Understanding the Challenge**

Imagine you’ve built a fantastic feature in your application using a popular npm library, let’s say react-credit-cards-2. Over time, the library's development slows down, and eventually, it's marked as deprecated in npm. This means no more updates, no bug fixes, and potentially, no support for new features or security patches.
😕As a responsible developer, you know you need to transition away from it. Here’s how you can approach this:

**Step-by-Step Guide**

 **Locate the Library**

- Start by searching for the deprecated library on npm or directly on GitHub. For instance, you might find the repository for react-credit-cards-2 at [github.com/flequis/react-credit-cards-2](https://github.com/felquis/react-credit-cards-2).

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/87iuh1avpj431zn0uq50.png)
 
**Download the Repository**

- Instead of cloning the repository using Git, you can download the source code directly from GitHub:
- Navigate to the GitHub repository for the library (github.com/flequis/react-credit-cards-2).
- Click on the green Code button.
- Select Download ZIP to download the repository as a ZIP file to your local machine.📥

**Customize the Library**

- Extract the downloaded ZIP file to access the library’s source code. Look for the src folder which typically contains the main codebase of the library. Remove any unnecessary files or folders that won’t be used in your project.

**Organize Your Project**

- Create a new directory within your project’s structure, let’s call it custom-component. Inside this directory, create a folder named after the library (e.g., react-credit-cards-2). Move the contents of the src folder from the extracted repository into this newly created folder.📂


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0acpacbfa4rgyzakrto6.jpg)

**Use the Customized Library**

- Instead of importing the library directly from npm, import it from your customized version. You might create an index.js or index.ts file inside your library folder to export all necessary components or functions.

```
// Example of using the customized library

import CreditCardForm from './custom-libraries/react-credit-cards';
function App() {
 return (
 <div>
 <CreditCardForm />
 </div>
 );
}
```

**Why Customize?**

Customizing deprecated npm libraries allows you to:

- Maintain Control: You can fix bugs or add features specific to your project’s needs.
- Security: Ensure security updates are applied if the library was deprecated due to vulnerabilities.
- Longevity: Extend the life of a library until you can find a suitable replacement.🕒

**Conclusion**

While using deprecated npm libraries isn’t ideal, it’s sometimes necessary. By following these steps, you can effectively manage and customize deprecated libraries, ensuring your projects remain stable and secure. Remember, always keep an eye out for alternative libraries or updates that may eventually replace your customized solution.

**Additional Tips**🌟

- Documentation: Maintain documentation on your customization, especially if other team members are involved.
- Community Support: Engage with the community. you might not be alone in facing this challenge.
- Migration Plan: Start planning for migration to a supported library as soon as feasible.

By mastering the art of customizing deprecated npm libraries, you can navigate through transitions smoothly and keep your projects up-to-date and efficient.

Happy coding! 🚀