In software development, vendoring a library means to include the library's source code in your project's codebase. This is done instead of installing the library as a dependency, which would require the library to be installed on the user's machine.
There are a few reasons why you might want to vendor a library. First, it can ensure that your project always uses the same version of the library. If you install the library as a dependency, the user's machine may have a different version of the library installed, which could lead to compatibility problems.
Second, vendoring a library can make it easier to debug your code. If you have a problem with your code that is caused by the library, you can simply edit the library's source code and rebuild your project. If the library is installed as a dependency, you would need to uninstall the library, edit the library's source code, reinstall the library, and then rebuild your project.
Third, vendoring a library can make it easier to distribute your project. If you vendor the library, you can simply include the library's source code in your project's distribution. If the library is installed as a dependency, you would need to include the library's installation instructions in your project's distribution.
There are a few things to keep in mind when vendoring a library. First, you need to make sure that you have the permission of the library's author to vendor the library. Second, you need to make sure that you include the library's license with your project's distribution. Finally, you need to make sure that you keep the library's source code up to date.
Overall, vendoring a library can be a good way to ensure that your project always uses the same version of the library, make it easier to debug your code, and make it easier to distribute your project.