The GitHub dependency graph is a tool designed to help developers manage and understand their software dependencies, which are crucial for both security and compliance. With the rise of open-source usage, projects often rely on numerous dependencies, making it challenging to track and maintain them. GitHub's dependency graph identifies both direct and transitive dependencies by parsing manifest and lockfiles, allowing developers to visualize these dependencies in an acyclic graph format. This method enables developers to detect vulnerabilities and compliance issues early in the development process, without requiring additional configuration. The graph is enabled by default for public repositories and can be activated for private ones. Developers are encouraged to keep their dependencies healthy by specifying them clearly in manifest files, using lockfiles to maintain consistent versions, regularly reviewing updates, and removing unnecessary dependencies to reduce security risks. Tools like Dependabot further assist in managing vulnerabilities and ensuring dependencies are up-to-date.