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@Copilot Copilot AI commented Aug 26, 2025

Problem

The current Dependabot configuration creates individual PRs for each dependency update, leading to significant noise and maintenance overhead. For a project with multiple package ecosystems (Python, npm, Docker, GitHub Actions), this could result in 20-30+ individual PRs monthly, making it difficult for maintainers to review and manage dependency updates effectively.

Solution

This PR implements a comprehensive smart grouping strategy for Dependabot that reduces PR noise while maintaining security and proper review processes:

🔧 Enhanced Coverage

  • Added Python backend monitoring: Now tracks Poetry-managed dependencies in /backend
  • Added root npm monitoring: Tracks dev tools like Prettier in root package.json
  • Complete ecosystem coverage: GitHub Actions, Python (pip), npm (frontend + root), Docker

🏷️ Smart Grouping Strategy

Dependencies are now grouped by type and impact level:

Python Backend:

  • python-runtime: Core dependencies (FastAPI, Neo4j, uvicorn) - minor/patch updates
  • python-dev-tools: Development tools (black, pytest, flake8) - minor/patch updates
  • python-major: All major updates (separate for careful review)

Frontend:

  • frontend-runtime: React, MUI, routing libraries - minor/patch updates
  • frontend-dev-tools: TypeScript, ESLint, Vite, testing tools - minor/patch updates
  • frontend-major: All major updates (separate for careful review)

Infrastructure:

  • github-actions: CI/CD workflow updates - minor/patch grouped
  • docker-images: Base image updates - minor/patch grouped
  • root-dev-tools: Configuration tools like Prettier - minor/patch grouped

📊 Expected Impact

Before: 20-30+ individual PRs monthly
After: ~6-10 grouped PRs monthly

  • Reduced noise: Related dependencies updated together
  • Easier reviews: Logical groupings make impact assessment simpler
  • Risk management: Major updates kept separate for thorough evaluation
  • Consistent process: All PRs follow conventional commit format with dependencies label

📚 Documentation

Added .github/dependabot-groups.md explaining the grouping strategy and rationale for future maintainers.

This approach balances staying current with dependencies while significantly reducing maintenance overhead and reviewer fatigue.


💡 You can make Copilot smarter by setting up custom instructions, customizing its development environment and configuring Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. Learn more Copilot coding agent tips in the docs.

Co-authored-by: teolemon <1689815+teolemon@users.noreply.github.com>
@Copilot Copilot AI changed the title [WIP] Can you group Dependabot dependancies PRs in a smart way to reduce noise ? feat: implement smart Dependabot dependency grouping to reduce PR noise Aug 26, 2025
Copilot finished work on behalf of teolemon August 26, 2025 15:52
@Copilot Copilot AI requested a review from teolemon August 26, 2025 15:52
@teolemon teolemon marked this pull request as ready for review August 26, 2025 15:54
@teolemon teolemon requested a review from a team as a code owner August 26, 2025 15:54
@teolemon teolemon merged commit 0822286 into main Aug 26, 2025
7 of 10 checks passed
@teolemon teolemon deleted the copilot/fix-9e18132d-adf8-461a-ac6a-db60f474b2cf branch August 26, 2025 15:54
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2 participants