Async version 2.5.0 and 2.4.1 are both iterations of a popular JavaScript utility library designed to simplify asynchronous programming. The core functionality remains consistent: providing higher-order functions that make it easier to manage common asynchronous patterns like parallel execution, serial execution, and control flow. Developers using Async leverage these functions to avoid callback hell and create more maintainable and readable asynchronous code.
Examining the package.json data reveals notable similarities between the two versions. The main dependency, lodash, remains at a compatible version (^4.14.0), suggesting no breaking changes or major feature integrations reliant on a different version of Lodash. The devDependencies lists are also virtually identical, indicating that the development and testing environment remained largely unchanged between releases. This means developers can expect a consistent testing and build process regardless of which version they choose.
The key difference lies in bug fixes, performance improvements, and potential minor feature additions incorporated between the releases leading to version 2.5.0. While the data provided doesn't explicitly detail these changes, the release represents a refinement of the 2.4.1 codebase. Developers considering an upgrade should consult the official Async changelog for a complete list of resolved issues and enhancements. For most users, upgrading to the latest stable version (2.5.0) is generally recommended to benefit from these improvements, ensuring they're using the most robust and up-to-date version of the library. The releaseDate difference shows that version 2.5.0 came out about a month after version 2.4.1, giving a good estimative value about the frequency of releases for this specific library.
All the vulnerabilities related to the version 2.5.0 of the package
Prototype Pollution in async
A vulnerability exists in Async through 3.2.1 for 3.x and through 2.6.3 for 2.x (fixed in 3.2.2 and 2.6.4), which could let a malicious user obtain privileges via the mapValues()
method.