NPM (Node Package Manager)

NPM is the default package manager for Node.js and the world's largest software registry. It allows developers to install, share, and manage dependencies in their projects.

Key Features

Package Installation Install libraries and tools with simple commands.

Version Management Specify and lock dependency versions.

Script Running Define and run custom scripts.

Publishing Share your own packages with the community.

Common Commands

bash
# Initialize new project
npm init

# Install dependency
npm install react

# Install dev dependency
npm install --save-dev eslint

# Install globally
npm install -g typescript

# Update packages
npm update

# Run script
npm run build

# Uninstall package
npm uninstall lodash

package.json

Central file managing project metadata and dependencies:

json
{
  "name": "my-project",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "scripts": {
    "dev": "vite",
    "build": "vite build",
    "test": "vitest"
  },
  "dependencies": {
    "react": "^18.2.0"
  },
  "devDependencies": {
    "vite": "^5.0.0"
  }
}

package-lock.json

Locks exact versions of all dependencies for consistent installs across environments.

Alternatives

  • Yarn: Faster alternative with improved dependency resolution
  • pnpm: Efficient package manager using hard links

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