Standard Dependency Rules

Open Source packaging rules are based on loose standards.

Package developers might write very specific dependency rules, but the rules might be more restrictive than necessary. For example, a specific set of rules might say that you need at least version 1.5 of a software package. You have version 1.3 of the software and upgrade to a version that meets the dependency rules. However,v it could be that earlier versions are not in the rules because the developer did not test those versions.

Other developers might be to general when writing the dependency rules, and you might encounter conflicts even if you follow the rules.For example, a general set of rules may say that you need version 1 to 3 of a software package. Another developer creates v2.9, which causes a conflict with your other installed components