dependency-analysis

name	dependency-analysis
description	Analyzes script dependencies and cascading impact using the build system XML files. Use this skill when modifying shared functions, reviewing changes to Shared/ code, writing tests for scripts with dependencies, or assessing the blast radius of any code change.

Dependency Analysis

CSS-Exchange scripts dot-source shared functions. Changes to a shared function cascade through multiple levels of dependents. The build system generates two XML files that are the authoritative source (when generated fresh by .build/Build.ps1):

• dist/dependencyHashtable.xml — What each script imports (parent to child)
• dist/dependentHashtable.xml — What depends on each script (child to parent)

Generate fresh XML by running .build/Build.ps1 first.

When to Use This

• Before modifying any file in Shared/ — understand what breaks
• During code review — verify callers handle changed shared function contracts
• When writing tests — identify which scripts need test coverage for a change
• When assessing risk — map the full blast radius of a proposed change

Analysis Process

1. Identify the changed file(s)
2. Query the dependency XML to find direct callers
3. Walk the full cascade chain (all levels, not just direct callers)
4. Identify root/released scripts (entry points with no dependents)
5. Report the full impact scope

Querying Dependencies

Find direct callers of a script

$dependentHashtable = Import-Clixml -Path "dist\dependentHashtable.xml"
$targetPath = (Resolve-Path "Shared\FunctionName.ps1").Path
$directCallers = $dependentHashtable[$targetPath]

Find cascading dependents (all levels)

Use the script in this skill's directory, or run the BFS traversal inline: