Navigating the Node.js Version Maze
The Node.js ecosystem's strength is its vast collection of packages. However, this creates a significant challenge: managing version compatibility. A single project can have hundreds of dependencies, each with a specific Node.js version requirement in its `engines` field. A conflict, even one buried deep in the dependency tree, can halt development and create complex environment issues. `verman` is a proposed CLI tool designed to navigate this maze by analyzing the entire dependency graph to provide clear, actionable insights into a project's true Node.js compatibility.
5+
Lockfile Types Supported
Scans npm, Yarn, Bun, and pnpm lockfiles for a complete dependency picture.
100%
Recursive Dependency Traversal
Analyzes the entire dependency tree, from direct dependencies to the most deeply nested packages.
1
Consolidated Compatibility Report
Calculates a single, unified Node.js version range for your entire project and its workspaces.
The `verman` Analysis Pipeline
`verman` follows a systematic, multi-stage process to determine project-wide version compatibility. It starts by identifying the project structure and parsing the most reliable lockfile available. It then recursively analyzes the dependency tree to aggregate all `engines` constraints, which are finally used to calculate a unified, compatible Node.js version range.
1. Detect & Parse
Identifies project type (npm, Yarn, etc.) and parses the appropriate lockfile (`package-lock.json`, `yarn.lock`) for a dependency snapshot.
2. Traverse & Collect
Walks the dependency tree defined by the lockfile, collecting `engines.node` data. Falls back to inspecting `package.json` files if needed.
3. Intersect & Calculate
Uses SemVer logic to find the intersection of all collected constraints, determining the single compatible version range for the entire project.
4. Report & Display
Presents the findings in a clear, interactive CLI report, with an optional structured JSON output for automation and CI/CD integration.
✨ Gemini-Powered Compatibility Advisor
Beyond just calculating version ranges, `verman` could leverage the power of Large Language Models via the Gemini API to provide deeper insights and actionable advice. Imagine getting human-like explanations of complex compatibility reports or intelligent suggestions for resolving version conflicts.
Mock Verman Analysis Summary:
Project: `my-awesome-app`
Calculated Node.js Compatibility: >=16.0.0 <18.0.0
Key Dependencies & Constraints:
- `express`: `^14.0.0 || ^16.0.0`
- `lodash`: `>=12.0.0`
- `left-pad` (transitive): `>=18.0.0` (Potential Conflict!)
AI-powered insights will appear here...
Lockfile Support & Data Richness
A key feature of `verman` is its ability to parse various lockfile formats. Performance and data completeness vary significantly across types. Modern `package-lock.json` versions are the most informative as they embed `engines` data directly, eliminating the need for slower file system lookups into `node_modules`.
| Lockfile | Package Manager | 'engines' Embedded |
|---|---|---|
| package-lock.json (v2/v3) | npm 7+ | ✔ Yes |
| package-lock.json (v1) | npm 5/6 | ✖ No |
| yarn.lock | Yarn 1 | ✖ No |
| bun.lockb | Bun | ~ Indirect |
| npm-shrinkwrap.json | npm (Legacy) | ~ Depends |
Key Player: CLI Frameworks
The choice of CLI framework is critical for usability. Yargs is the recommended choice for `verman` due to its powerful validation, extensive features, and highly customizable help menus, ensuring a polished and reliable user experience.
Phased Development Roadmap
The development of `verman` is envisioned in three distinct phases. This approach begins with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to establish core analysis functionality, then progressively adds broader compatibility for different package managers, and finally incorporates advanced features like monorepo support.
Phase 1: Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Establish the core analysis engine by focusing on `package-lock.json` (v2/v3), implementing the fundamental SemVer intersection logic, and providing a simple, static CLI output. This phase validates the core concept.
Phase 2: Expanded Support & Interactivity
Broaden compatibility by adding parsers for `yarn.lock` and `bun.lockb`. Introduce the full interactive prompt report using Inquirer.js to allow users to explore dependency details dynamically.
Phase 3: Workspaces & Advanced Features
Implement full support for monorepos (npm, Yarn, pnpm workspaces), providing both isolated and aggregated reports. Add a `--json` output for CI/CD integration and focus on performance optimization.