SKILL.md

name	nativelink-dependency-update
description	Use when updating NativeLink Cargo dependencies, Bazel module dependencies, rules_rust pins, lock files, toolchains, or generated dependency metadata.

NativeLink Dependency Updates

Use this skill for dependency bumps, Rust toolchain changes, Bazel module changes, lock file updates, and dependency cleanup.

Files To Inspect

NativeLink keeps Cargo and Bazel dependency state connected. Check the relevant set before editing:

• Cargo.toml
• crate-level Cargo.toml files
• Cargo.lock
• MODULE.bazel
• MODULE.bazel.lock
• .bazelrc
• flake.nix and flake.lock when tooling comes from Nix

MODULE.bazel uses crate.from_cargo with workspace crate manifests. Cargo changes can affect Bazel resolution.

Update Rules

• Prefer the repository's established tooling over hand-editing generated lock content.
• Use cargo update -p <crate> for targeted Cargo bumps when appropriate.
• Use Bazel module tooling for Bazel dependency lock updates when required.
• If changing workspace lints or flags, check whether .bazelrc must be regenerated. The file notes that lint config is kept in sync with the top-level Cargo config through tools/generate-bazel-rc.
• Don't delete or regenerate broad lock files unless the task explicitly requires it.
• Keep feature changes narrow. Feature unification can change behavior across crates.

Validation

Use a dependency-specific verification ladder:

cargo check --all
bazel build //:nativelink

For Rust dependency bumps:

cargo test --all --profile=smol
bazel test //...

For Bazel, rules, or toolchain changes:

bazel build //...
bazel test //...

When tool versions mismatch locally, enter the Nix development shell:

nix --extra-experimental-features nix-command --extra-experimental-features flakes develop

Final Report

Include:

• Dependency names and old/new versions.
• Lock files or generated metadata changed.
• Commands run.
• Any known resolver, feature, or platform risk.