Managing dependency boundaries in TypeScript

Managing dependencies in TypeScript projects is crucial for maintaining a healthy codebase, especially as projects grow in complexity and size. Developers often use architectural patterns like Model-View-Controller (MVC) and hexagonal architecture to manage this complexity, with abstractions serving as a blueprint for module responsibilities and relations. However, unchecked dependencies can lead to issues such as security vulnerabilities, outdated packages, and divergence from the intended architecture. The article discusses using the "good-fences" package to enforce explicit dependency rules in TypeScript, which helps maintain architectural integrity by creating boundaries between modules. This approach involves using fence.json files to specify which modules can interact with each other and which third-party packages are allowed, thereby preventing unwanted dependencies and maintaining modular integrity. This proactive dependency management strategy can be automated into the development process, aiding in aligning implementation with architectural design and encouraging intentional dependency usage.