What is NPM?
NPM, short for Node Package Manager, is the default package manager for Node.js. Its allows developers to:
- Install Packages: Quickly add external libraries to the project.
- Manage Dependencies: Keep track of versions and updates.
- Share Code: Publish your own modules for the community.
Understanding package.json
At the core of any Node.js project is the package.json file. This file acts as the project’s manifest, containing:
- Metadata: Information about your project such as name, version, and description.
- Dependencies: Lists of packages your project requires to run.
- Scripts: Custom commands to automate tasks like testing, building, or running your app.
- Versioning: Manage semantic versioning for reliable package updates.
Having a well-maintained package.json is essential for consistency, collaboration, and deployment.