Node.js npm & package.json

Install and manage packages.

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npm installs third-party packages and manages your project.

npm init -y: create package.json.
npm install express: add a dependency (saved in node_modules and listed in package.json).
npm install -D nodemon: a development-only dependency.
npm uninstall pkg, npm update, npm outdated
"scripts" in package.json define commands run with npm run name.

Commit package.json and package-lock.json, but add node_modules/ to .gitignore.

Key Takeaways: Node.js npm & package.json

Mastering Node.js npm & package.json helps you write clean and reliable Node.js code. Follow standard conventions, test edge cases, and keep logic simple. Try running the code example below and complete the exercises to build confidence.

Node.js npm & package.json Code Example

Node.js

{
  "name": "my-api",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "type": "module",
  "scripts": {
    "start": "node server.js",
    "dev": "node --watch server.js"
  },
  "dependencies": {
    "express": "^4.21.0"
  }
}

Output

$ npm run dev
> my-api@1.0.0 dev
> node --watch server.js

Run this example on your own computer. The "Get Started" lesson shows how to set it up.

Node.js npm & package.json Practice Exercises

Check what you learned in “Node.js npm & package.json”.

/ 2 solved

Fill in the blank

Install Express as a dependency.

npm  express

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

Multiple choice

Which folder should you NOT commit to Git?

node_modules/ src/ package.json README.md

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

to save your exercise progress.

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Node.js npm & package.json

💡 Key Takeaways: Node.js npm & package.json

Node.js npm & package.json Code Example

Node.js npm & package.json Practice Exercises

Key Takeaways: Node.js npm & package.json