Describe the bug

In this readme section, https://github.com/aws/aws-cdk/blob/main/packages/aws-cdk-lib/aws-lambda-nodejs/README.md#externals, it states that

When passing a runtime that is known to include a version of the aws sdk, it will be excluded by default. For example, when passing NODEJS_16_X, aws-sdk is excluded. When passing NODEJS_18_X, all @aws-sdk/* packages are excluded.

However, the core runtime of the AWS SDK for JavaScript (v3) is contained in the scope @smithy/* as can be seen in e.g. client-s3/package.json. If a user application has a certain version of the AWS SDK with both core runtime @smithy/ and AWS packages under @aws-sdk/, deleting only the @aws-sdk/ packages can create a fatal version mismatch between the two sets of dependencies.

From the AWS SDK team's perspective, we recommend that the SDK is not removed from user applications due to the AWS Lambda provided SDK having an unpredictable version update cadence. A sudden change in version not initiated by the user may cause errors due to changes in behavior even if technically no "breaking" interface changes occur.

However, if continuing to remove the @aws-sdk node_modules folder, the @smithy folder should be treated identically since they are tightly coupled.

Regression Issue

• Select this option if this issue appears to be a regression.

Last Known Working CDK Version

No response

Expected Behavior

If deleting @aws-sdk/ folder, also delete @smithy/ folder. Both NPM scopes are fully controlled by AWS teams.

Current Behavior

Only @aws-sdk/ is deleted, causing mismatch between those and the @smithy/ packages.

Reproduction Steps

Use NODEJS_18_X runtime and bundle the @aws-sdk/client-s3 package as an example.

Inspect the node_modules folder for the existence of @smithy/ packages.

Possible Solution

If deleting @aws-sdk/ folder, also delete @smithy/ folder.

Additional Information/Context

No response

CDK CLI Version

n/a

Framework Version

No response

Node.js Version

NODEJS_18_X, possibly others except NODEJS_LATEST

OS

n/a

Language

TypeScript

Language Version

No response

Other information

No response