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evaluate-dependency

Evaluate third-party dependencies against 10 standardized criteria and output GO, CAUTION, or NO-GO verdicts.

9|Updated Mar 22, 2026
Search Tags:#pr review#vulnerability scan#library selection#license compliance#go modules#dependency evaluation#package vetting
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/paultyng/skill-issue --skill evaluate-dependency
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: evaluate-dependency
Source: https://github.com/paultyng/skill-issue/tree/main/skills/evaluate-dependency
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/paultyng/skill-issue --skill evaluate-dependency

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Choosing or reviewing project dependencies carries hidden risks: incompatible licenses, unmaintained packages, security vulnerabilities, and ecosystem-specific coordinate gotchas can break projects or introduce supply chain threats. This Skill eliminates guesswork by running a standardized, evidence-based evaluation of any dependency.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • 10-point evaluation criteria: Assesses license compatibility, internal precedent, community popularity, maintenance activity, vulnerability history, API stability, transitive cost, fit, ecosystem footguns, and privileged capabilities for every candidate dependency.
  • Ecosystem-specific handling: Includes built-in guidance for Go's semantic import versioning quirks, with a framework to add per-language addenda for npm, Python, Rust, and other ecosystems as needed.
  • Dual-mode workflow: Works for both selecting new dependencies (answering "should I use X library?") and reviewing PRs that add or bump existing dependencies in project manifests.
  • Use case example: When you're choosing a JSON parsing library for a Go service, or reviewing a PR that adds a new Python package to requirements.txt, this Skill produces a clear verdict with the exact canonical package coordinate to use and actionable mitigations for flagged risks.

Quick Start

Use the evaluate-dependency skill to assess whether the github.com/gin-gonic/gin package is a safe, appropriate choice for HTTP routing in my Go web service.

Frequently Asked Questions about evaluate-dependency

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I evaluate a third-party library for security and license risks before adding it to my project?▼

To evaluate a third-party library, you must assess security vulnerabilities, license compatibility, and maintenance status. This dependency vetting process applies 10 standardized criteria to identify supply chain risks and output a clear GO, CAUTION, or NO-GO verdict.

What should I check when reviewing a PR that bumps a dependency version in a project manifest?▼

When reviewing a PR that bumps a dependency version, check for API stability, transitive costs, and ecosystem-specific coordinate gotchas like Go semantic import versioning. A dependency evaluation provides actionable mitigations for any flagged risks introduced by the manifest change.

How do I compare alternative packages to choose the safest dependency for my application?▼

Comparing alternative packages requires assessing community popularity, vulnerability history, and privileged capabilities. By running a standardized dependency evaluation on each candidate, you receive explicit GO/CAUTION/NO-GO verdicts to help you choose the safest option.

Does dependency vetting work for Go modules and semantic import versioning quirks?▼

Yes, dependency vetting works for Go modules by including built-in guidance for semantic import versioning quirks. It resolves ecosystem-specific canonical package coordinates and provides a framework to add per-language addenda for npm, Python, and Rust as needed.

What are the limitations of using a standardized checklist for dependency selection?▼

The limitation of using a standardized checklist for dependency selection is that it requires resolving ecosystem-specific package coordinates manually for unsupported languages. While it enforces 10 evaluation criteria, you must add per-language addenda to handle specific ecosystem footguns accurately.

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