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"X is a dependency of Y" means that Y depends on X (i.e. we have to import Y in X's source code).

Is there a word that fits in "Y is a ??? of X", meaning X uses Y?

user56834
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    "Y is a dependent WHATEVER of X"? – 262386 Aug 26 '19 at 17:15
  • Often times I find "consumer" to be appropriate, but it's also contextual. – Jared Goguen Aug 26 '19 at 18:15
  • X implements Y maybe – Jonathan Applebaum Aug 26 '19 at 19:40
  • It depends on the context. Are you talking about mathematics, abstract logic, computer programming, economics, personal relationships, finance or something else? – BoldBen Aug 27 '19 at 03:14
  • @BoldBen, I was talking about computer programming, and asked this question in "software engineering", but for some reason it was moved to english language & usage. – user56834 Aug 27 '19 at 05:38
  • @user56834 Sorry I didn't read the background properly, I assume that the situation is similar to having Y in a C source library which has to be #included before code containing X is compiled. However, looking at the question again, when you say <> shouldn't that be the other way around? Perhaps the word you are looking for is "prerequisite". – BoldBen Aug 28 '19 at 07:18

2 Answers2

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"Dependent" is the general term but it's uncommon to say things like "X is a dependent of Y". Usually you would say "X is dependent on Y", or "X has a dependency on Y" or as you write the question "X depends on Y". The only time I can think of where I might use the term 'dependent' in this context is if I wanted to provide a list of things that depend on something I might label it: 'dependents'.

JimmyJames
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"User" would be fine in the case of classes or libraries. "Client" in the case of services and APIs. The generic term is "dependee", but that sounds stilted and I wouldn't use it.

Sebastian Redl
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