zerodependency

Zerodependency refers to software that can run without relying on external libraries, runtimes, or package managers at install or execution time. The aim is to produce a self-contained, portable artifact that minimizes environment-specific configuration and external risk.

Implementation strategies include static or minimal linking, bundling essential dependencies inside the distributable, relying on the standard library rather than third-party packages, and shipping all assets and runtime components with the product. This approach is common for small command-line tools, firmware, embedded systems, and other programs where a predictable runtime environment is important. It is also used to improve reproducibility and simplify distribution across different operating systems and architectures.

Benefits of zerodependency include easier installation, a reduced attack surface, and greater portability and predictability across environments. By limiting external components, developers can reduce supply-chain risk and simplify testing and deployment. In some contexts, it can also improve startup times and performance by avoiding dynamic linking overhead.

Trade-offs and limitations are significant. Zero-dependency artifacts often lead to larger binaries and duplicated functionality across projects. They can impose a heavier maintenance burden, as bundled components must be kept up to date and security-patched within each release. The model is not always feasible for complex applications that rely on large ecosystems, dynamic plugins, or platform-specific features. In practice, zerodependency is typically about minimizing external dependencies and shipping essential parts bundled, rather than achieving an absolute absence of any external requirements.

Examples in practice include statically linked binaries produced by languages like Go or Rust, and carefully packaged C/C++ applications. Scripting languages and ecosystems rarely achieve true zero dependencies, since an interpreter and runtime are usually required.