Introducing DependAware: Automating Dependency Updates for NPM Repositories 🚀
Tags: githubhack23, github, githubactions, webdev
Published: 2023-05-13 14:14:08

## What I built

Introducing DependAware, an automated dependency update tool for NPM repositories that keeps your projects up-to-date and secure by creating pull requests for updating package dependencies.

### Category Submission:

Wacky Wildcards

### App Link

[DependAware on GitHub](https://github.com/theinfosecguy/dependaware)

### Screenshots

_Image: Branches created by DependAware_ 👇
![Branches created by DependAware](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vod681ndcb2qy0pr2ha8.png)

_Image: Pull Requests Tab running test cases_ 👇
![Pull Requests Tab running test cases](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4cq5dddha7oepg20t321.png)

_Image: Pull Requests Description updated after running tests_ 👇
![Pull Requests Description updated after running tests](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/giotg2myhiejq9efh624.png)

_Image: Pull Requests created by DependAware_ 👇
![Pull Requests created by DependAware](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/inakxyitw8qr2gxjbn1w.png)

_Image: GitHub Actions Tab_ 👇
![GitHub Actions Tab](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rrqyx7suho5rmhrne3qw.png)

### Description

DependAware is designed to help developers maintain the health of their NPM projects by automatically scanning, detecting, and updating outdated or vulnerable package dependencies. With DependAware, you can easily integrate it into your GitHub Actions and keep your repositories up-to-date with the latest dependency versions.

### Link to Source Code

[DependAware Repository](https://github.com/theinfosecguy/dependaware)

### Permissive License

MIT License

## Background (What made you decide to build this particular app? What inspired you?)

In today's fast-paced software development world, managing dependencies can be a daunting task. Outdated or vulnerable dependencies can lead to security risks, performance issues, and general instability. I was inspired by the need for a seamless, automated solution that can help developers stay on top of their dependencies while maintaining focus on building amazing products.

### How I built it (How did you utilize GitHub Actions or GitHub Codespaces? Did you learn something new along the way? Pick up a new skill?)

I built DependAware using GitHub Actions to automatically scan NPM repositories for outdated dependencies, create branches for each update, and then generate pull requests with detailed titles, descriptions, and the "dependencies" label. 

I also learned how to integrate DependAware with various GitHub workflows, such as running tests and updating PR descriptions with the test results.

Throughout the development process, I picked up new skills in GitHub Actions and deepened our understanding of dependency management in NPM projects. I also explored the importance of communication between different workflows and ensuring smooth integration of DependAware into existing CI/CD pipelines.

### Additional Resources/Info

For more information on how to set up and use DependAware, check out the [DependAware GitHub Repository](https://github.com/theinfosecguy/dependaware). I encourage you to contribute, provide feedback, and help us improve this invaluable tool for developers. Together, we can make software development more secure and efficient! 🚀