XKCD Dependency Meme Generator
Label the massive system and the one tiny piece holding it all together. Based on the famous XKCD comic about software dependencies.
Label the massive system and the one tiny piece holding it all together. Based on the famous XKCD comic about software dependencies.
Community XKCD Dependency Memes
What is the XKCD Dependency Meme?
A comic-style diagram showing a massive system resting on one tiny, fragile dependency. Users label the big important thing on top and the overlooked piece holding it all together at the bottom.
Also Known As
- XKCD 2347
- Dependency Comic
- Nebraska Man Meme
- Software Dependency Meme
- Jenga Infrastructure Meme
About the XKCD Dependency Meme
An XKCD-style line drawing of a tall, precarious structure made of stacked rectangular blocks of various sizes. Most of the tower is large, sturdy-looking components. Near the base, one impossibly small block supports a huge section above it. A curly brace at the top labels the overall system, and an arrow points to the tiny load-bearing block at the bottom.
Inspired by XKCD comic #2347 "Dependency" (2020), which illustrates how all modern digital infrastructure rests on a project maintained by one random person in Nebraska. The comic struck a nerve with software developers who recognized the truth: critical systems often depend on a single fragile component nobody thinks about. The line-drawing style makes it easy to label both the towering structure and its weak point. For another "this is barely holding together" vibe, see This Is Fine. For labeling hidden structural problems, try Iceberg Tiers.
How to Make a XKCD Dependency Meme
- Open the XKCD Dependency template, which gives you two text fields: one for the towering system and one for the tiny block holding it up
- The top-left field labels the massive structure. Name whatever important system, organization, or concept seems invincible from the outside
- The bottom-right field points to the one fragile piece everything depends on. This is where the joke lands
- Black Arial text without stroke matches the XKCD comic style, but you can switch to Impact or any font that fits your tone
- Save the finished meme as a PNG and send it to anyone who has ever been that one tiny block
When to Use the XKCD Dependency Meme
Software & Engineering
- •ALL PRODUCTION SERVERS / A BASH SCRIPT WRITTEN IN 2003
- •THE ENTIRE CI/CD PIPELINE / ONE YAML FILE NOBODY UNDERSTANDS
- •EVERY MAJOR WEBSITE / A SINGLE NPM PACKAGE MAINTAINED BY ONE VOLUNTEER
- •OUR MACHINE LEARNING PLATFORM / A PYTHON SCRIPT WITH NO COMMENTS
Workplace & Teams
- •THE ENTIRE DEPARTMENT / KAREN FROM ACCOUNTING
- •QUARTERLY REVENUE TARGETS / THE UNPAID INTERN
- •THE COMPANY WIFI / ONE ROUTER FROM 2015 BEHIND THE PRINTER
- •ALL PROJECT DEADLINES / THAT ONE SPREADSHEET STEVE MADE
Everyday Life
- •MY MENTAL HEALTH / ONE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
- •THE FAMILY HOLIDAY DINNER / MOM NOT BRINGING UP POLITICS
- •MY ENTIRE MORNING ROUTINE / THE FIRST CUP OF COFFEE
- •HOUSEHOLD PEACE / THE DOG BEING TIRED FROM ITS WALK
Example XKCD Dependency Meme
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