The Eagle's Flight: Dependency Risks in R and Other Programming Environments

In the digital infrastructure world, nothing is more ubiquitous than interdependencies. From the mundane to the complex, dependencies are a cornerstone of modern software and statistical environments. A recent tweet and XKCD cartoon from Dr. Jo brought this into stark relief, highlighting the potential fallout from even a single defect in the 'isoband' package.

For those unfamiliar with R, it is a premier, cutting-edge, free, open-source statistical environment (R). Its strength lies in its flexibility and the vast array of packages available. However, as with any tool, R's power comes with a significant caveat: dependency management.

Understanding Dependencies

I recently received a vast email from CRAN (Comprehensive R Archive Network) threatening the removal of over 4,700 R packages due to a defect in the 'isoband' package. The email paints a rather alarming picture of the risks associated with interdependencies. Let's dive into the details.

The 'isoband' package is a lesser-known gem that provides tools for drawing band lines. It might seem trivial, but its absence can have profound consequences, especially when it's a dependency for popular packages like 'ggplot2'. According to the email, 'isoband' has not been updated despite repeated requests. As a result, it is set to be archived at the end of October 2022, which will inevitably impact its reverse dependencies, including 'ggplot2'.

So, will this break R? No, but it certainly highlights the dangerous reliance we have on these interdependencies. The statistical community will undoubtedly ensure that 'isoband' is fixed in a week, as evidenced by the tireless efforts of a team of contributors. However, this event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of modern software ecosystems.

A Moral Fable

Reflecting on Aesop's fable about the eagle and the lion, we can draw a parallel to our programming practices. Just as the lion demanded surety from the eagle, developers often assume that dependencies will remain stable. However, this assumption is fraught with risk. Dependencies can become problematic, especially as projects grow and expand.

For example, consider a JavaScript project needing a date picker. The most tempting library might be the same size as the entire project. This reliance can lead to a monolithic, difficult-to-maintain codebase. To address this, I had to rewrite what I needed in a few hundred lines of code. Was this approach foolish? Who can say for certain?

Even experienced programmers introduce hidden flaws into code, resistant to standard checks. Trace through dependencies in a non-trivial project and you may find a large problem lurking within. This issue is compounded by the cruft hidden within bulky operating systems on which we rely.

Fixing the Problem

The core question remains: how can we mitigate these risks in the face of interdependencies? Here are a few ideas:

Keep dependencies to an absolute minimum. Underscore almost all programming advice recommends this, but it can be challenging in a complex environment. Rigorously test and maintain dependencies. Automate checks and updates to ensure everything remains in order. Re-evaluate dependencies periodically. Scrutinize each package's relevance and functionality to your project.

These practices, while not foolproof, can help reduce the risks associated with interdependencies.

Conclusion

The 'isoband' incident in R serves as a wake-up call for dependency management across all programming environments. By understanding and addressing these risks, we can build more robust and reliable systems. As developers, we must be mindful of the eagle's flight and ensure that our dependencies do not betray us in the end.