dependaws

Dependaws is a term that has emerged within certain online communities, particularly those focused on programming and software development. It generally refers to individuals who are perceived as overly reliant on external tools, libraries, or frameworks to the point where they lack fundamental understanding or the ability to perform tasks independently. The term is often used pejoratively, suggesting a lack of core competency masked by a superficial adoption of readily available solutions.

The concept implies that while utilizing existing tools and abstractions is a normal and efficient part of modern development, a "dependaw" is someone who cannot function without them. This might manifest as an inability to debug issues outside of common library errors, a struggle to implement basic algorithms without a pre-built function, or a general lack of understanding of the underlying principles of the technologies they employ.

Critics of the term argue that it can be gatekeeping and dismissive of developers who are skilled in leveraging existing ecosystems effectively. They might point out that modern software development often emphasizes rapid prototyping and building upon established foundations, making extensive use of libraries a sign of pragmatism rather than weakness. The definition of "dependaw" can be subjective and context-dependent, with the line between efficient tool usage and over-reliance being a matter of ongoing debate.