Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

849: How to Pick a JS Package

Nov 18, 2024

22:18

Snipd AI

Discover how to choose the right JavaScript package with tips on effective evaluation! From using NPM and social platforms to tools like Socket.dev and Bundlephobia, the hosts share strategies for finding and validating packages. Learn to assess security, relevance, and maintenance to ensure project compatibility. They highlight the importance of reviewing documentation and exploring community feedback, all while navigating the JavaScript ecosystem like a pro!

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Quick takeaways

Selecting a JavaScript package requires a comprehensive evaluation of multiple sources, including NPM, Reddit, and Socket.dev for reliability and security.

Community feedback and GitHub issue tracking are essential tools for assessing the quality and usability of JavaScript packages before integration.

Deep dives

Choosing the Right Package

When looking for a JavaScript library, determining the right package involves several strategic steps to ensure quality and security. Developers often begin by searching on NPM, but the platform's search capabilities can be limited, leading some to prefer alternatives like socket.dev, which offers enhanced search and security metrics. For instance, socket.dev not only displays maintenance scores and community engagement but also evaluates supply chain security, helping users make informed decisions. This thorough evaluation process enables developers to avoid outdated or insecure packages, which could jeopardize their application.

Intro

2min

Choosing JavaScript Packages Wisely

6min

Finding Reliable JavaScript Packages

8min

Evaluating JavaScript Packages for Optimal Integration

2min

Assessing JavaScript Packages Effectively

4min

You’ve got a project, and you need the right tool—but how do you know if that JavaScript package is the one? Scott and Wes guide you through finding and validating packages, from checking NPM to scoping out social proof, so you can pick tools you can trust.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
00:29 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
- Take The Pledge
01:44 How to find a JS package.
- 02:56 Searching via NPM.
- 03:28 Searching via Socket.dev.
- 06:02 Searching via Reddit.
- 06:24 Searching via Perplexity.
- 08:31 Searching via Google autocomplete.
- 09:25 Searching via Awesome repo.
- 09:51 Searching via social networks.
- 10:47 Searching via established projects.
11:19 Evaluating the quality of a package.
- 12:02 Validating via GitHub Issues.
  - html2canvas.
- 13:58 Are there types?
- 15:16 Validating via Socket.
- 16:15 Validating via Bundlephobia.
- 17:15 Validating via the docs.
- 17:55 Validating via GitHub Search.
- 18:14 Validating via GitHub Insights.
  - GitHub Network Dependents.
- 20:19 Validating via the package.json file.
  - Syntax Episode 563.