What is npm?

Overview

npm (Node Package Manager) is the default package manager for Node.js. It allows developers to install, share, and manage dependencies for their projects easily. With npm, you can install libraries, frameworks, and tools that help streamline your development process.

Installing npm

npm comes bundled with Node.js, so if you have Node.js installed, you already have npm available. You can verify your npm installation by running the following command in your terminal:

# Check npm version
    npm -v

Common npm Commands

Here are some commonly used npm commands:

# Initialize a new package.json file
    npm init
    
    # Install a package
    npm install <package-name>
    
    # Uninstall a package
    npm uninstall <package-name>
    
    # Update a package
    npm update <package-name>
    
    # Install all dependencies listed in package.json
    npm install

Creating a package.json File

The package.json file is essential for any Node.js project. It contains metadata about your project and a list of dependencies. You can create one using:

# Create a package.json file with default values
    npm init -y