Installing npm packages

npm packages let you reuse existing libraries instead of rebuilding common functionality.

Before adding a package, consider its maintenance, security, license, size, and whether the dependency is actually necessary.

Deep dive

Understand node_modules

Installed packages are normally placed under node_modules. This directory is usually not committed to Git because dependencies can be recreated from package metadata and the lock file.

Useful commands

• npm install: install project dependencies.
• npm install package: add a dependency.
• npm uninstall package: remove a dependency.
• npm update: update dependencies according to package rules.
• npm audit: inspect reported dependency vulnerabilities.