Prefer Node.js native fetch API over external HTTP client libraries like `node-fetch` when the target Node.js version supports stable native functionality. While fetch is available from Node.js 18+, it's considered stable from version 21 onwards. Before adding HTTP client dependencies, evaluate: - Target Node.js version compatibility - Native API stability requirements - Whether external dependencies provide necessary additional features Example of unnecessary dependency: ```json // Avoid when targeting Node.js >= 21 "dependencies": { "node-fetch": "3.3.2" // Remove if native fetch suffices } ``` This reduces bundle size, eliminates potential security vulnerabilities from external packages, and leverages platform-native optimizations. Only retain HTTP client libraries when they provide essential features not available in the native fetch API or when targeting older Node.js versions where native fetch is unstable.