Referencing Or Forking For SideBySideImproved Flot Plug-in

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Introduction

As we approach the final stages of removing Bower from our build process, we are left with a crucial decision: whether to reference or fork the SideBySideImproved Flot plug-in. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the two options, weighing their pros and cons, and helping us make an informed decision.

Option 1: Do Nothing and Keep Bower

Pros

  • Might work for some time still, as Bower is still a widely used package manager.
  • No additional maintenance or overhead is required.

Cons

  • Bower is no longer receiving any support, which means that any issues or bugs will not be addressed.
  • The upstream repository could be deleted by the maintainer, causing our build process to fail.

Option 2: Fork the Repo and Add the Package.json

Pros

  • This is the "safest" option, as we will have a copy of the repository in our own organization, which we can maintain and update as needed.
  • We can publish the forked repository to NPM, making it easily accessible to others.

Cons

  • This adds another repository to our organization to maintain, which can be a burden.
  • A quick search shows that there might be some issues with forking, such as issue #8132.

Option 3: Reference the Dev Branch from Upstream

Pros

  • This option requires minimal maintenance and overhead.
  • We can still take advantage of the latest features and updates from the upstream repository.

Cons

  • There is a risk that the branch could be removed in the future, causing our build process to fail.
  • We will be dependent on the upstream repository, which can be a security risk if the repository is compromised.

Conclusion

In conclusion, each option has its pros and cons, and the decision ultimately depends on our specific needs and requirements. If we value safety and control, forking the repo might be the best option. However, if we are willing to take on the risk of referencing the dev branch, this option might be more suitable. Ultimately, we must weigh the pros and cons of each option and make an informed decision that aligns with our goals and priorities.

Recommendation

Based on the analysis above, I recommend forking the repo and adding the package.json. This option provides the most control and flexibility, while also ensuring that we have a safe and reliable build process.

Implementation

To implement this recommendation, we will need to:

  1. Fork the SideBySideImproved Flot plug-in repository into our own organization.
  2. Add the package.json file to the forked repository.
  3. Update the dependencies in NPM to reference the forked repository.
  4. Drop Bower in CI + build.

By following these steps, we can ensure that our build process is safe, reliable, and efficient.

Future Development

In the future, we can consider publishing the forked repository to NPM, making it easily accessible to others. This will also allow us to take advantage of the latest features and updates from the upstream repository.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the options of referencing or forking the SideBySideImproved Flot plug-in. However, we understand that some of you may still have questions and concerns about this decision. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions and provide additional insights to help you make an informed decision.

Q: What is the difference between referencing and forking?

A: Referencing involves linking to the original repository, while forking involves creating a copy of the repository in your own organization. Referencing is a more lightweight option, but it also means that you are dependent on the original repository, which can be a security risk if the repository is compromised.

Q: What are the benefits of forking the repository?

A: Forking the repository provides several benefits, including:

  • Control and flexibility: By forking the repository, you have complete control over the code and can make changes as needed.
  • Safety and reliability: Forking the repository ensures that you have a safe and reliable build process, even if the original repository is compromised.
  • Publishing to NPM: You can publish the forked repository to NPM, making it easily accessible to others.

Q: What are the risks of forking the repository?

A: Forking the repository also comes with some risks, including:

  • Additional maintenance: Forking the repository requires additional maintenance and overhead, as you will need to update the code and dependencies.
  • Dependence on the original repository: If the original repository is deleted or compromised, your forked repository may also be affected.

Q: Can I still use Bower if I fork the repository?

A: Yes, you can still use Bower if you fork the repository. However, it is recommended to drop Bower in CI + build and use NPM instead.

Q: How do I implement forking the repository?

A: To implement forking the repository, you will need to:

  1. Fork the SideBySideImproved Flot plug-in repository into your own organization.
  2. Add the package.json file to the forked repository.
  3. Update the dependencies in NPM to reference the forked repository.
  4. Drop Bower in CI + build.

Q: What are the next steps after forking the repository?

A: After forking the repository, you can:

  • Publish the forked repository to NPM: This will make it easily accessible to others.
  • Update the code and dependencies: You will need to update the code and dependencies to ensure that they are compatible with the forked repository.
  • Test and validate the build process: You will need to test and validate the build process to ensure that it is safe and reliable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, referencing or forking the SideBySideImproved Flot plug-in is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. By weighing the pros and cons of each option and addressing your questions and concerns, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and priorities. We hope that this Q&A guide has provided you with the insights and information you need to make a decision that is right for you.

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