The GitHub dependency graph is a tool integrated into GitHub repositories that allows developers to track and analyze dependencies for their projects. Dependencies are external libraries or packages that a project relies on. The dependency graph helps ensure projects remain secure and up to date by identifying potential vulnerabilities or outdated components. It is particularly useful for teams aiming to streamline their dependency management and enhance security practices.
Where to find it
You can access the dependency graph by navigating to a repository’s Insights tab and selecting Dependency Graph from the sidebar. This graph is available for public repositories by default and for private repositories when enabled by repository owners.
Understanding GitHub’s dependency graph features
The dependency graph provides insights into:
- Direct dependencies: These are explicitly included in your project’s configuration file (e.g.,
package.json,requirements.txt). - Transitive dependencies: These are dependencies of your dependencies.
GitHub automatically parses these dependencies from supported files and visualizes them, highlighting vulnerabilities where applicable.
Using the dependency graph for security
Detecting vulnerabilities
GitHub's dependency graph integrates with GitHub Security Advisories to alert developers to vulnerabilities. If a dependency has a known issue, it is flagged in the graph. For example:
- Navigate to the Security tab.
- Check the Vulnerabilities section for flagged dependencies.
Suggested fixes
GitHub suggests fixes for vulnerabilities, such as updating to a secure version of a library. Using pull requests, developers can apply these fixes quickly.
Dependency graph and Graphite Insights
While the dependency graph helps manage and secure dependencies, Graphite Insights complements this by offering actionable metrics across pull requests. For example:
- Pull request dependency analysis: Graphite can identify how dependency updates correlate with PR approval or merge times.
- Historical trends: See how dependency updates have impacted team velocity over weeks, months, or years.
Using Graphite Insights alongside the dependency graph enables a proactive approach to managing technical debt caused by outdated or insecure dependencies.
Example: Managing dependencies with GitHub
Step 1: Enabling the dependency graph
For private repositories, ensure the dependency graph is enabled:
- Navigate to the repository settings
- Enable "Dependency graph" and "Dependabot alerts" under the Security & Analysis section
Step 2: Updating insecure dependencies
Suppose your project relies on an older version of a library flagged for a vulnerability. GitHub’s dependency graph provides this information:
- Open the Insights tab and select Dependency Graph.
- Find the flagged dependency and review the suggested fix.
- Generate a pull request to update the version.
Step 3: Tracking changes with Graphite Insights
After updating the dependency, use Graphite Insights to measure:
- Time to merge: How long did the team take to review and merge the dependency update?
- Review cycles: Were there multiple iterations before the update was approved?
Best practices for GitHub dependency management
- Automate updates: Use GitHub Dependabot to automatically propose updates for dependencies.
- Monitor insights: Combine GitHub dependency graph insights with Graphite Insights for a complete overview of dependency impacts.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities: Tackle high-risk issues first to mitigate security threats.
- Track performance: Use tools like Graphite Insights to ensure updates do not degrade team velocity.
By leveraging GitHub’s dependency graph and integrating Graphite Insights, teams can maintain secure and efficient dependency management workflows.