ITG NowHome › AI glossary › Dependency
What is a dependency in software?
A dependency is another piece of software that a program needs to work.
- Category GitHub & code
- Also called dependencies
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Dependency, explained simply
Most programs don't start from zero. They use ready-made pieces written by others.
Each of those pieces is a dependency. Install tools like npm and pip fetch them for you.
For example, a tool might need a library for reading images, so that library is its dependency.
More dependencies can mean more things to update and more things that can break.
On ITG Now, our free tool guides tell you which extra pieces a tool needs and the command that installs them.
Related terms
Package managernpmpipSupply chain attackVulnerability
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
- GuideArchify: Free AI Diagram Generator for Claude and Codex (2026)
- GuideKarpathy autoresearch: AI That Runs Experiments Overnight
Questions people ask about Dependency
Why do dependencies matter for safety?
A problem in one dependency can affect every program that uses it. That is why updates matter.
Do I install dependencies myself?
Usually not. A package manager like npm or pip downloads them for you.
What does dependency hell mean?
It is when different tools need clashing versions of the same piece. It makes installs fail.