The package.json file is used for npm to be able to understand what packages you'd like to use in your project in the dependencies and devDependencies portions:

When working with Node projects or frameworks such as Vue or React you'll run into package.json files (unless you're importing React/Vue via CDN). Now that we have npm installed, we can dig a bit more into how it works and how it will impact projects you're working on. You may need to restart your terminal if you still have it open from earlier. The version of npm will not match the version of node you downloaded - npm has separate version releases. Once you download and install the package, try running npm -version as shown above and you should see a version returned. CMD or bash might have slightly different error messages.ĭon't fret! You can install Node/npm from the Node.js homepage by selecting either the 'LTS' (Long term support) build or the 'Current' build, which may be less stable but offers the latest feature set. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and tray again. Npm: The term 'npm' is not recognized as a name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or executable program. There are a few advantages to using npm over copying the code, including that you don't have to figure out what code their project is dependent on to run, and if there's ever a security issue with an npm package, you can easily update the package!Īnd the best part of npm? It comes with Node! So if you already have Node installed you (most likely) already have npm! npm installation How do I know if I already have npm installed?įrom the command line, you can check if npm is already installed by running: You may be asking yourself, 'Why don't I just copy their code into a file? Why do I need npm to do this?'. Long story short, node package manager (npm) is a way to install 'packages of code' written by someone else that you can then use in your project.

Although it can be a great learning experience, when it comes to building production code, it can often be much less effort to stand on the shoulders of giants and leverage code written by others. A common phrase in development is 'Don't reinvent the wheel', meaning don't spent a ton of time creating functionality that exists out of the box (Who hasn't spent hours to create their own time system instead of just using Date()? Not just me.

Instal Shoulders of Giants free