Dependency Hell

What Does Dependency Hell Mean?

Dependency hell is a term used to define the problems faced by software developers, publishers and users in general, when software or a software package is dependent on other software. Dependency hell occurs when software works abnormally or displays errors and bugs due to an integrated software/application developed by a third party.

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Techopedia Explains Dependency Hell

Dependency hell is a common problem found in software/applications that are built using an add-on software package or that rely on one for complete functionality. Dependency hell can take many forms and occur for many reasons, such as the need to install add-on software libraries, the need for long chains of installations, problems with a conflicting program, the creation of circular dependencies and more. It also includes platform-specific dependencies that are related to a software development platform. DLL hell, JAR hell and extension conflict are the most common types of dependency hell.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…