Dependabot

Automated dependency updates for GitHub

What is Dependabot?

Dependabot (automation): Automated dependency updates for GitHub. Dependabot keeps dependencies updated automatically. It opens pull requests when new versions are available—security patches and updates without manual tracking. GitHub integration is native. Version constraints are respected. The automation reduces the boring maintenance work. Dependabot is free to use with no paid tier. Buyers most often compare Dependabot against Renovate, semantic-release, changesets.

TL;DR - Dependabot

Dependabot is an automated dependency update tool that creates pull requests for outdated packages
It monitors your repositories and proposes updates with changelogs and compatibility scores
Completely free, built into GitHub

Pricing: Free forever

Best for: Individuals & startups

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free with GitHub
Automatic PRs
Security alerts
Low maintenance
Good integration

Cons

GitHub only
Can create PR noise
Limited customization
No vulnerability prioritization
Basic compared to alternatives

Key Features

Dependency updatesSecurity alertsGitHub nativeAuto PRVersion updatesFree

Pricing Plans

Free

Included with GitHub

Automated dependency updates
Security vulnerability alerts
Pull request automation
Multi-language support
Grouping updates

View full pricing

About Dependabot

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated Apr 3, 2026

Dependabot keeps dependencies updated automatically. It opens pull requests when new versions are available—security patches and updates without manual tracking. GitHub integration is native. Version constraints are respected. The automation reduces the boring maintenance work. Development teams on GitHub use Dependabot because dependency updates shouldn't require human attention to track.

How we evaluate tools →Source: github.com

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Dependabot FAQ

Is Dependabot free?

Yes, Dependabot is completely free for all GitHub repositories, including private ones. It's included as part of GitHub's core features.

What languages does Dependabot support?

Dependabot supports most popular package ecosystems including npm, pip, Maven, Gradle, Bundler, Cargo, Composer, Docker, Go modules, NuGet, and more.

How does Dependabot work?

Dependabot automatically scans your repository for outdated dependencies, creates pull requests with updates, and alerts you to security vulnerabilities in your dependencies.

Can I customize Dependabot's behavior?

Yes, you can configure Dependabot through a dependabot.yml file in your repository, setting update schedules, grouping rules, and ignored dependencies.

Does Dependabot work with private registries?

Yes, Dependabot can authenticate with private package registries using secrets configured in your repository settings.

Source: github.com

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