npmjs FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about npmjs.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is npm?
npm (Node Package Manager) is a package manager for the JavaScript programming language.
How do I install npm?
npm is already installed when you install Node.js. To check if npm is installed, you can run the command "npm -v" in your command line.
What is a package in npm?
A package in npm is a collection of JavaScript code, typically with a specific function, that can be easily downloaded and used in your own projects.
How do I install a package with npm?
To install a package, you can use the command "npm install " in your command line. Make sure you are in the correct directory where you want to install the package.
What does the "-g" flag mean in the npm install command?
The "-g" flag installs the package globally on your machine, meaning it can be used in any project without having to install it again.
How do I uninstall a package with npm?
To uninstall a package, you can use the command "npm uninstall " in your command line.
What is a package.json file?
A package.json file is a metadata file that contains information about your project, including its dependencies (packages).
How do I create a package.json file?
You can create a package.json file by running the command "npm init" in your command line and following the prompts.
How do I add a dependency to my package.json file?
You can add a dependency by running the command "npm install --save" in your command line. This will automatically add the dependency to your package.json file.
What is a dependency in npm?
A dependency is a package that is required for your project to function correctly. Dependencies are listed in your package.json file.
How do I update packages in my project?
To update packages, you can run the command "npm update " in your command line. You can also update all packages by running "npm update" without specifying a package name.
What is a package version in npm and how is it defined?
A package version in npm is a unique identifier for a specific version of a package. It is defined using the Semantic Versioning system, which consists of three numbers separated by dots (e.g. 1.3.8).
How do I specify a specific version of a package to install?
You can specify a version by adding "@" after the package name in the npm install command (e.g. "npm install @1.2.5").
What is a package lock file and do I need it?
A package lock file is a file that locks down the specific versions of packages installed in your project to ensure consistent installs for everyone on your team. It is recommended to commit this file to your project's version control.
How do I fix a "no version supplied" error when trying to install a package?
This error usually means you did not specify a version for the package you are trying to install. Make sure you include the version number after the package name (e.g. "npm install @").
What does the "npm audit" command do?
The "npm audit" command checks your project for known security vulnerabilities in your dependencies and suggests ways to fix them.
How do I fix a vulnerability found by "npm audit"?
You can fix a vulnerability by running the command "npm audit fix" in your command line. This will automatically update vulnerable packages to the latest secure version.
What is the difference between "npm install" and "npm ci"?
"npm install" installs the packages listed in your package.json file, whereas "npm ci" installs the exact dependency versions listed in your package-lock.json file. "npm ci" is recommended for use in production environments to ensure consistent builds.
How do I list all globally installed packages?
You can run the command "npm list -g --depth=0" in your command line to get a list of all packages installed globally on your machine.
What is the "npx" command and how do I use it?
The "npx" command is used to run a package without having to install it globally on your machine. You can use it by running "npx " in your command line.
What is the difference between "npm start" and "npm run start"?
"npm start" is a shortcut for running the "start" script defined in your package.json file, while "npm run start" runs a script defined in the "scripts" section of your package.json file. They often do the same thing, but "npm run start" allows for more customization.
How do I fix a "missing script: start" error?
This error means that no "start" script is defined in your package.json file. You can fix it by adding a "start" script under the "scripts" section, for example: "start: node server.js".
What is a "peer dependency" in npm?
A peer dependency is a package that your project expects to be present while running, but it is not required to be installed as a dependency. Instead, it should be installed as a peer dependency.
How do I update npm to the latest version?
You can update npm by running the command "npm install -g npm" in your command line. Make sure you are using the latest version of Node.js.
How do I fix a "permission denied" error when running an npm command?
This error means that you do not have the necessary permissions to perform the action. You can fix it by running the command with "sudo" in front of it (e.g. "sudo npm install ") or by changing the permissions of the directory you are trying to install to.
How do I resolve "ERR! sharp EACCES" error when installing a package?
This error means that the sharp library, often used for resizing images, is not able to access certain system resources. You can fix it by installing the necessary system dependencies for sharp, as explained in this resource: https://github.com/lovell/sharp/blob/master/docs/install.md.
How do I fix a "Could not resolve dependency" error?
This error means that npm was unable to find and install a dependency listed in your package.json file. Make sure the dependency name is spelled correctly and that it is available in the npm registry. You can also try clearing your npm cache and then installing again.
How do I use a previously installed global package in a new project?
You can use a previously installed global package in a new project by installing it locally as a dependency using the command "npm install --save-dev". This will add the package to your project's package.json file under the "devDependencies" section.