Ensure comprehensive dependency management in package.json files by following these practices: 1. **Evaluate necessity**: Before adding dependencies, check if native Node.js APIs provide the functionality. For example, use `fs.mkdtemp(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'prefix'))` instead of adding a temporary file library. 2. **Choose appropriate dependency types**: Carefully classify dependencies as `dependencies`, `devDependencies`, or `peerDependencies` based on their usage. When uncertain about peer dependencies in monorepos, start with `devDependencies` and adjust as needed. 3. **Use consistent versioning**: Establish a clear strategy for version specifications - either pin exact versions (`"esbuild": "0.25.0"`) or use ranges (`"esbuild": "^0.25.0"`) consistently across the project. 4. **Update all related files**: When modifying package.json, ensure package-lock.json is also updated and included in commits. Example of proper dependency evaluation: ```js // Instead of adding a dependency like 'tmp' "dependencies": { "tmp": "^0.2.3" } // Use native Node.js APIs fs.mkdtemp(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'myapp-')); ``` This approach reduces dependency bloat, minimizes security vulnerabilities, and maintains cleaner, more maintainable projects.