What Is Software Mapping, 4 Types of Dependencies and How to Manage Them

What Is a Software Map? 

A software map is a visual representation of the structure and relationships between different components or modules of a software system. It provides a high-level overview of the software architecture, allowing developers to understand how different pieces of the system fit together and interact with each other.

‍

A software map can include various types of information, such as the programming languages used, the interfaces between different components, and the dependencies between modules. It can be created using a variety of tools, including specialized software modeling languages, diagramming tools, and dependency mapping tools.

‍

Software maps are useful for developers and other stakeholders involved in software development, as they can help with planning, designing, and maintaining the system. They can also be used to communicate the architecture of the software to non-technical stakeholders, such as project managers or clients, in a more understandable and accessible way.

‍

This is part of a series of articles about application mapping.

Why Is Software Mapping Important? 

Software mapping is important for several reasons, including:

‍

• Improved visibility: Software mapping provides a comprehensive view of the software applications and services that are running in an IT environment, making it easier for IT teams to understand how different components are connected and how they interact with each other.
• Faster troubleshooting: When issues arise in an IT environment, software mapping can help IT teams quickly identify the root cause of the issue by pinpointing the software component(s) that are causing the problem.
• Easier upgrades and migrations: Software mapping can help IT teams plan for upgrades and migrations by identifying the dependencies between different software components. This can help ensure that upgrades are performed in a logical order, and that any potential issues are identified and addressed before the upgrade is performed.
• Better security: Software mapping can help improve security by identifying potential vulnerabilities and areas of weakness in the IT environment. By understanding the relationships between different software components, IT teams can more effectively secure the environment and reduce the risk of data breaches or other security incidents.
• Improved compliance: Software mapping can help organizations comply with various regulations and standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By mapping the software components that process or store sensitive data, organizations can ensure that they are complying with the relevant requirements.

Types of Software Dependencies 

1. Functional Dependencies

Functional software dependencies are inter-component relationships when one component or module depends on the output or behavior of other components to perform its own function correctly. In other words, if the behavior or output of one module changes, it can affect the behavior or output of another module that depends on it.

‍

To isolate and test individual modules with functional dependencies, developers can use mocking techniques, which involve creating mock objects or functions that simulate the behavior of the dependent components. This allows developers to test individual modules in isolation, without relying on the behavior of dependent components.

2. Developmental Dependencies

Developmental dependencies are relationships within a software system that emerge during the development stage. They can include dependencies between different modules or components of the software, as well as dependencies on external libraries, frameworks, or services.

‍

Developmental dependencies are typically managed by development teams using tools such as dependency management software, version control systems, and build automation tools. These tools help ensure that the system’s different parts are properly integrated and that changes in one system area do not unintentionally affect other parts of the system.

‍

Effective management of developmental dependencies is critical to ensuring the quality and maintainability of a software system, particularly in large or complex systems where dependencies between components can be numerous and difficult to manage manually.

3. Testing Dependencies

Testing dependencies are relationships in a software system that emerge during the testing stage. They can include dependencies between different test cases or test suites, as well as dependencies on external test frameworks, libraries, or services.

‍

Testing dependencies can be managed using various techniques, such as test isolation, where individual test cases are run in isolation to prevent dependencies between tests, and mocking or stubbing, where simulated versions of external dependencies are used to isolate the behavior of the system under test.

‍

Properly managing testing dependencies can help reduce the risk of false positives and false negatives in test results and improve the overall quality and reliability of the software system.

4. Non-Functional and Operational Dependencies

Non-functional dependencies are relationships between the parts of software systems that are not directly related to their overall functional behavior. Examples of non-functional dependencies can include dependencies on external libraries, frameworks, or services, as well as hardware or infrastructure dependencies such as database servers, network connections, or operating systems.

‍

Operational dependencies are a type of non-functional dependency that describes the relationship between a system and the environment in which it runs. These can include dependencies on system resources, such as memory or CPU usage, as well as requirements for security, availability, or scalability.

‍

By explicitly defining operational requirements as part of the system’s functional dependencies, developers can ensure that these issues are properly considered and managed throughout the development and testing process.

‍

Learn more in our detailed guide to application dependency mapping

How to Manage Software Dependencies 

Overcoming software dependencies can be a challenging task, but there are several strategies that can help. Here are some best practices for managing software dependencies:

‍

• Reduce the number of dependencies: One way to overcome software dependencies is to reduce the number of dependencies in the system. This can be done by using smaller, more modular components that are less likely to have complex dependencies. 
• Use automation tools: Automation tools, such as dependency management software or continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, can help manage software dependencies. These tools can automatically identify and install dependencies, reducing the risk of errors or conflicts.
• Implement version control: Implementing version control for software components and dependencies can help ensure that changes are tracked and documented. This can help prevent conflicts and enable easier troubleshooting in the event of an issue.
• Perform thorough testing: Thorough testing is essential for managing software dependencies. This includes unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing. By testing software components in isolation and as part of the larger system, it is possible to identify and address issues related to dependencies.
• Monitor and update dependencies: Monitoring and updating dependencies on a regular basis is essential for managing software dependencies. This includes monitoring integrated systems for security vulnerabilities, availability, or functional problems.
• Use standard APIs and interfaces: Using standard APIs and interfaces can help reduce the risk of dependencies, as these components are designed to work with a broad range of software systems and are not as likely to have complex dependencies.
• Collaborate with other teams: Collaboration with other teams, such as development teams, can help reduce the risk of dependencies. By communicating regularly and sharing information about dependencies and updates, it is possible to coordinate efforts and avoid conflicts.

‍

Related content: Read our guide to code dependencies