dependency-updater▌
softaworks/agent-toolkit · updated Apr 8, 2026
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Multi-language dependency management with auto-detection, safe PATCH/MINOR updates, and prompted MAJOR version changes.
- ›Supports 7 languages (Node.js, Python, Go, Rust, Ruby, Java, .NET) with language-specific package managers and audit tools
- ›Automatically categorizes updates by semver type: auto-applies PATCH and MINOR, prompts individually for MAJOR versions, skips intentionally pinned dependencies
- ›Includes diagnosis mode for resolving version conflicts, peer dependency issues, and
Dependency Updater
Smart dependency management for any language with automatic detection and safe updates.
Quick Start
update my dependencies
The skill auto-detects your project type and handles the rest.
Triggers
| Trigger | Example |
|---|---|
| Update dependencies | "update dependencies", "update deps" |
| Check outdated | "check for outdated packages" |
| Fix dependency issues | "fix my dependency problems" |
| Security audit | "audit dependencies for vulnerabilities" |
| Diagnose deps | "diagnose dependency issues" |
Supported Languages
| Language | Package File | Update Tool | Audit Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Node.js | package.json | taze |
npm audit |
| Python | requirements.txt, pyproject.toml | pip-review |
safety, pip-audit |
| Go | go.mod | go get -u |
govulncheck |
| Rust | Cargo.toml | cargo update |
cargo audit |
| Ruby | Gemfile | bundle update |
bundle audit |
| Java | pom.xml, build.gradle | mvn versions:* |
mvn dependency:* |
| .NET | *.csproj | dotnet outdated |
dotnet list package --vulnerable |
Quick Reference
| Update Type | Version Change | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | No ^ or ~ |
Skip (intentionally pinned) |
| PATCH | x.y.z → x.y.Z |
Auto-apply |
| MINOR | x.y.z → x.Y.0 |
Auto-apply |
| MAJOR | x.y.z → X.0.0 |
Prompt user individually |
Workflow
User Request
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 1: DETECT PROJECT TYPE │
│ • Scan for package files (package.json, go.mod...) │
│ • Identify package manager │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 2: CHECK PREREQUISITES │
│ • Verify required tools are installed │
│ • Suggest installation if missing │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 3: SCAN FOR UPDATES │
│ • Run language-specific outdated check │
│ • Categorize: MAJOR / MINOR / PATCH / Fixed │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 4: AUTO-APPLY SAFE UPDATES │
│ • Apply MINOR and PATCH automatically │
│ • Report what was updated │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 5: PROMPT FOR MAJOR UPDATES │
│ • AskUserQuestion for each MAJOR update │
│ • Show current → new version │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 6: APPLY APPROVED MAJORS │
│ • Update only approved packages │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 7: FINALIZE │
│ • Run install command │
│ • Run security audit │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Commands by Language
Node.js (npm/yarn/pnpm)
# Check prerequisites
scripts/check-tool.sh taze "npm install -g taze"
# Scan for updates
taze
# Apply minor/patch
taze minor --write
# Apply specific majors
taze major --write --include pkg1,pkg2
# Monorepo support
taze -r # recursive
# Security
npm audit
npm audit fix
Python
# Check outdated
pip list --outdated
# Update all (careful!)
pip-review --auto
# Update specific
pip install --upgrade package-name
# Security
pip-audit
safety check
Go
# Check outdated
go list -m -u all
# Update all
go get -u ./...
# Tidy up
go mod tidy
# Security
govulncheck ./...
Rust
# Check outdated
cargo outdated
# Update within semver
cargo update
# Security
cargo audit
Ruby
# Check outdated
bundle outdated
# Update all
bundle update
# Update specific
bundle update --conservative gem-name
# Security
bundle audit
Java (Maven)
# Check outdated
mvn versions:display-dependency-updates
# Update to latest
mvn versions:use-latest-releases
# Security
mvn dependency:tree
mvn dependency-check:check
.NET
# Check outdated
dotnet list package --outdated
# Update specific
dotnet add package PackageName
# Security
dotnet list package --vulnerable
Diagnosis Mode
When dependencies are broken, run diagnosis:
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Symptoms | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Version Conflict | "Cannot resolve dependency tree" | Clean install, use overrides/resolutions |
| Peer Dependency | "Peer dependency not satisfied" | Install required peer version |
| Security Vuln | npm audit shows issues |
npm audit fix or manual update |
| Unused Deps | Bloated bundle | Run depcheck (Node) or equivalent |
| Duplicate Deps | Multiple versions installed | Run npm dedupe or equivalent |
Emergency Fixes
# Node.js - Nuclear reset
rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json
npm cache clean --force
npm install
# Python - Clean virtualenv
rm -rf venv
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Go - Reset modules
rm go.sum
go mod tidy
Security Audit
Run security checks for any project:
# Node.js
npm audit
npm audit --json | jq '.metadata.vulnerabilities'
# Python
pip-audit
safety check
# Go
govulncheck ./...
# Rust
cargo audit
# Ruby
bundle audit
# .NET
dotnet list package --vulnerable
Severity Response
| Severity | Action |
|---|---|
| Critical | Fix immediately |
| High | Fix within 24h |
| Moderate | Fix within 1 week |
| Low | Fix in next release |
Anti-Patterns
| Avoid | Why | Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Update fixed versions | Intentionally pinned | Skip them |
| Auto-apply MAJOR | Breaking changes | Prompt user |
| Batch MAJOR prompts | Loses context | Prompt individually |
| Skip lock file | Irreproducible builds | Always commit lock files |
| Ignore security alerts | Vulnerabilities | Address by severity |
Verification Checklist
After updates:
- Updates scanned without errors
- MINOR/PATCH auto-applied
- MAJOR updates prompted individually
- Fixed versions untouched
- Lock file updated
- Install command ran
- Security audit passed (or issues noted)
The skill auto-detects project type by scanning for package files:
| File Found | Language | Package Manager |
|---|---|---|
package.json |
Node.js | npm/yarn/pnpm |
requirements.txt |
Python | pip |
pyproject.toml |
Python | pip/poetry |
Pipfile |
Python | pipenv |
go.mod |
Go | go modules |
Cargo.toml |
Rust | cargo |
Gemfile |
Ruby | bundler |
pom.xml |
Java | Maven |
build.gradle |
Java/Kotlin | Gradle |
*.csproj |
.NET | dotnet |
Detection order matters for monorepos:
- Check current directory first
- Then check for workspace/monorepo patterns
- Offer to run recursively if applicable
Prerequisites
# Install taze globally (recommended)
npm install -g taze
# Or use npx
npx taze
Smart Update Flow
# 1. Scan all updates
taze
# 2. Apply safe updates (minor + patch)
taze minor --write
# 3. For each major, prompt user:
# "Update @types/node from ^20.0.0 to ^22.0.0?"
# If yes, add to approved list
# 4. Apply approved majors
taze major --write --include approved-pkg1,approved-pkg2
# 5. Install
npm install # or pnpm install / yarn
Auto-Approve List
Some packages have frequent major bumps but are backward-compatible:
| Package | Reason |
|---|---|
lucide-react |
Icon library, majors are additive |
@types/* |
Type definitions, usually safe |
Semantic Versioning
MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH (e.g., 2.3.1)
MAJOR: Breaking changes - requires code changes
MINOR: New features - backward compatible
PATCH: Bug fixes - backward compatible
Range Specifiers
| Specifier | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
^1.2.3 |
Minor + Patch OK | >=1.2.3 <2.0.0 |
~1.2.3 |
Patch only | >=1.2.3 <1.3.0 |
1.2.3 |
Exact (fixed) | Only 1.2.3 |
>=1.2.3 |
At least | Any >=1.2.3 |
* |
Any | Latest (dangerous) |
Recommended Strategy
{
"dependencies": {
"critical-lib": "1.2.3", // Exact for critical
"stable-lib": "~1.2.3", // Patch only for stable
"modern-lib": "^1.2.3" // Minor OK for active
}
}
Node.js Conflicts
Diagnosis:
npm ls package-name # See dependency tree
npm explain package-name # Why installed
yarn why package-name # Yarn equivalent
Resolution with overrides:
// package.json
{
"overrides": {
"How to use dependency-updater on Cursor
AI-first code editor with Composer
Prerequisites
Before installing skills in Cursor, ensure your development environment meets these requirements:
- ›Cursor installed and configured on your development machine
- ›Node.js version 16.0+ with npm package manager (verify with
node --version) - ›Active project directory or workspace where you want to add dependency-updater
Execute installation command
Execute the skills CLI command in your project's root directory to begin installation:
The skills CLI fetches dependency-updater from GitHub repository softaworks/agent-toolkit and configures it for Cursor.
Select Cursor when prompted
The CLI will show a list of available agents. Use arrow keys to navigate and space to select Cursor:
Verify installation
Confirm successful installation by checking the skill directory location:
Reload or restart Cursor to activate dependency-updater. Access the skill through slash commands (e.g., /dependency-updater) or your agent's skill management interface.
Security & Verification Notice
We perform automated surface-level scans (Gen AI Scanner, Socket, Snyk) during installation. These checks detect common vulnerabilities but do not guarantee complete security. Always review skill source code and verify the publisher's reputation before production use.
Skills execute code in your development environment. Always verify the publisher's identity, review recent commits, and test in isolated environments before production deployment.
List & Monetize Your Skill
Submit your Claude Code skill and start earning
Use Cases▌
User Story & Requirements Generation
Create detailed user stories, acceptance criteria, and feature specs
Example
Generate user stories for 'password reset feature' with acceptance criteria, edge cases, and test scenarios
Reduce spec writing time by 50%, ensure comprehensive coverage
Competitive Analysis
Research competitors, compare features, identify gaps
Example
Analyze 5 competitor products, create feature comparison matrix, suggest differentiation opportunities
Complete competitive research in 2 hours instead of 2 days
Roadmap Prioritization
Evaluate features using frameworks (RICE, ICE, Kano) and create prioritized backlogs
Example
Score 20 feature ideas using RICE framework, generate prioritized roadmap with rationale
Make data-driven prioritization decisions faster
Stakeholder Communication
Draft PRDs, status updates, and stakeholder presentations
Example
Create executive summary of Q3 roadmap, monthly progress report, feature launch announcement
Save 3-5 hours/week on communication overhead
Implementation Guide▌
Prerequisites
- ›Claude Desktop or compatible AI client
- ›Access to product documentation and roadmap tools (Jira, Notion, etc.)
- ›Understanding of product management frameworks (RICE, Jobs-to-be-Done, etc.)
- ›Stakeholder contact information and communication channels
Time Estimate
30-60 minutes to see productivity improvements
Installation Steps
- 1.Install product management skill
- 2.Start with user story generation for known feature
- 3.Progress to competitive analysis: research 2-3 competitors
- 4.Use for roadmap prioritization: apply RICE/ICE scoring
- 5.Draft stakeholder communications and refine based on feedback
- 6.Build template library for recurring PM tasks
- 7.Share effective prompts with product team
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠Not validating competitive research—verify facts before sharing
- ⚠Accepting user stories without involving engineering team
- ⚠Over-relying on frameworks without qualitative judgment
- ⚠Not customizing outputs to company culture and communication style
- ⚠Skipping stakeholder validation of generated requirements
Best Practices▌
✓ Do
- +Validate research and competitive analysis with real data
- +Collaborate with engineering when generating technical requirements
- +Customize frameworks and templates to your company context
- +Use skill for first drafts, refine with stakeholder input
- +Document successful prompt patterns for PM tasks
- +Combine AI efficiency with human judgment and intuition
✗ Don't
- −Don't publish competitive analysis without fact-checking
- −Don't finalize user stories without engineering review
- −Don't make prioritization decisions solely on AI scoring
- −Don't skip customer validation of generated requirements
- −Don't ignore company-specific context and culture
💡 Pro Tips
- ★Provide context: company goals, constraints, customer feedback
- ★Ask for alternatives: 'Show 3 ways to prioritize this roadmap'
- ★Request stakeholder-specific formatting: 'Executive summary vs. engineering spec'
- ★Use skill for 70% generation + 30% customization to company needs
When to Use This▌
✓ Use When
Use for user story writing, competitive research, roadmap prioritization, stakeholder communication, and PRD drafting. Best for reducing repetitive documentation and research work.
✗ Avoid When
Avoid for strategic product vision (requires deep customer empathy), pricing decisions (needs market and financial expertise), or when face-to-face customer discovery is more valuable than speed.
Learning Path▌
- 1Basic: user stories, feature specs, status updates
- 2Intermediate: competitive analysis, prioritization frameworks, PRDs
- 3Advanced: product strategy, go-to-market planning, OKR setting
- 4Expert: product vision, market positioning, business model innovation
Discussion
Product Hunt–style comments (not star reviews)- No comments yet — start the thread.
Ratings
4.6★★★★★60 reviews- ★★★★★Camila Li· Dec 28, 2024
We added dependency-updater from the explainx registry; install was straightforward and the SKILL.md answered most questions upfront.
- ★★★★★Mateo Chawla· Dec 20, 2024
dependency-updater reduced setup friction for our internal harness; good balance of opinion and flexibility.
- ★★★★★Camila Sanchez· Dec 16, 2024
I recommend dependency-updater for anyone iterating fast on agent tooling; clear intent and a small, reviewable surface area.
- ★★★★★Hassan Smith· Dec 12, 2024
Solid pick for teams standardizing on skills: dependency-updater is focused, and the summary matches what you get after install.
- ★★★★★Luis Zhang· Dec 8, 2024
I recommend dependency-updater for anyone iterating fast on agent tooling; clear intent and a small, reviewable surface area.
- ★★★★★Shikha Mishra· Dec 4, 2024
Solid pick for teams standardizing on skills: dependency-updater is focused, and the summary matches what you get after install.
- ★★★★★Luis Brown· Nov 27, 2024
dependency-updater reduced setup friction for our internal harness; good balance of opinion and flexibility.
- ★★★★★Camila Gonzalez· Nov 27, 2024
Keeps context tight: dependency-updater is the kind of skill you can hand to a new teammate without a long onboarding doc.
- ★★★★★Rahul Santra· Nov 23, 2024
We added dependency-updater from the explainx registry; install was straightforward and the SKILL.md answered most questions upfront.
- ★★★★★Camila Kim· Nov 19, 2024
Solid pick for teams standardizing on skills: dependency-updater is focused, and the summary matches what you get after install.
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