`npm` and `pnpm` Commands Documentation

This document provides key commands for managing packages using npm (Node Package Manager) and pnpm (a fast, disk space-efficient package manager for Node.js). Both are used for managing dependencies in JavaScript projects, but pnpm is known for its performance and disk space optimizations.

Installing npm and pnpm

Install npm

npm is typically installed automatically with Node.js. To install Node.js and npm:

Install Node.js from nodejs.org (opens in a new tab).
npm will be installed alongside Node.js.

Verify installation:

node -v
npm -v

Install pnpm

To install pnpm globally, use the following command:

npm install -g pnpm

Verify installation:

pnpm -v

npm Commands

npm is the default package manager for Node.js. It allows you to install, update, and manage project dependencies.

1. List Globally Installed Packages

Displays all globally installed npm packages.

npm -g list

2. Install a Package Locally

Installs a package in the current project’s node_modules directory.

npm install <pkg>

3. Install a Package Globally

Installs a package globally, making it accessible from anywhere on the system.

npm install -g <pkg>

4. Uninstall a Package Locally

Removes a locally installed package from the node_modules directory.

npm uninstall <pkg>

5. Uninstall a Package Globally

Removes a globally installed package.

npm uninstall -g <pkg>

6. Install a Specific Version of a Package

Installs a specific version of a package.

npm install <pkg>@<version>

7. View Package Information

Shows detailed information about a package, including its dependencies and version.

npm show <pkg>

8. Update All Dependencies

Updates all the dependencies in the package.json file to their latest versions.

npm update

9. Initialize a New Node Project

Creates a new package.json file in the current directory. Useful for starting a new Node.js project.

npm init

pnpm Commands

pnpm is a fast, disk-efficient alternative to npm. It uses a unique approach to store packages that reduces the amount of disk space used.

1. Install a Package Locally

Installs a package in the current project’s node_modules directory.

pnpm add <pkg>

2. Install a Package Globally

Installs a package globally, making it accessible from anywhere on the system.

pnpm add -g <pkg>

3. Uninstall a Package Locally

Removes a locally installed package from the node_modules directory.

pnpm remove <pkg>

4. Uninstall a Package Globally