search

npm Vs npx

Oct 04, 2024 pm 08:24 PM

npm Vs npx

If you’ve been working with Node.js, you’ve likely encountered both npm and npx.
While they sound similar and are both integral parts of the Node.js ecosystem, they serve different purposes. This post will explore the differences between npm and npx, helping you understand when and why to use each.

What is NPM?

NPM, short for Node Package Manager, is the default package manager for Node.js. It allows developers to install, share, and manage packages (libraries or code modules) in their projects.

Here are some common tasks npm helps with:

  • Installing dependencies:

npm install <package-name>


</package-name>
  • Managing package versions: Locking down specific versions of libraries to ensure consistent builds.

  • Running project-specific scripts: Defined in the package.json file.


npm run <script-name>


</script-name>

What is NPX?

npx is a tool introduced in NPM version 5.2.0 (July 2017). While npm manages dependencies and packages, npx is designed to execute Node.js packages, especially CLI tools, without globally installing them.

Key Differences Between NPM and NPX

1. Package Installation vs Execution

  • NPM: When you install a package using npm, it either installs the package globally or locally to your project directory. This means you have to install a package first before you can use it.

npm install -g create-react-app
create-react-app my-app


  • NPX : With npx, you can run CLI tools or executables without installing them globally. For instance, you can run create-react-app without installing it globally.

npx create-react-app my-app


This saves time and disk space as you avoid installing packages that you might only use once.


2. Global Packages
When you use npm, global packages are installed and persist across your system, which can sometimes clutter your environment.

With npx, you can execute a package without worrying about keeping it around on your system permanently.

Example of installing a package globally with npm:


npm install -g typescript
tsc --version



With npx, no global installation is necessary:


npx tsc --version



3. Automatic Package Handling
When you run a command with npx, it automatically checks if the package exists locally or globally, and if not, it downloads and executes it temporarily. This is especially useful for running one-off tasks.

For instance:


npx cowsay "Hello, World!"


This will download the cowsay package if it’s not installed, run it, and then clean up afterward.


4. Package Executables Without Scripts
When running a command defined in package.json scripts using npm, you’d write:


npm run my-script


But with npx, you can run executable commands directly:


npx my-script


This is especially useful if the script isn’t explicitly defined in package.json.

When to Use NPM

- Managing dependencies: Use npm for installing, updating, and removing project dependencies.

- Running project-specific scripts: Defined in package.json and tailored to your project.

- Managing package versions: Locking down specific versions of libraries to maintain project consistency.

When to Use NPX

- One-time package execution: Use npx for packages you don’t want to install globally, such as CLI tools you’ll only use once.

- Running executables: For commands like create-react-app, npx allows you to run them without global installation.

- Testing different versions: Quickly execute a specific version of a tool without needing to install it.

Finally,Both npm and npx are essential tools in the Node.js ecosystem, but they serve different purposes. Use npm for managing your project’s dependencies and npx for executing packages without permanent installation.

This small distinction can make your workflow more efficient, saving time and avoiding unnecessary global installations.

The above is the detailed content of npm Vs npx. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Statement
The content of this article is voluntarily contributed by netizens, and the copyright belongs to the original author. This site does not assume corresponding legal responsibility. If you find any content suspected of plagiarism or infringement, please contact admin@php.cn
From Websites to Apps: The Diverse Applications of JavaScriptFrom Websites to Apps: The Diverse Applications of JavaScriptApr 22, 2025 am 12:02 AM

JavaScript is widely used in websites, mobile applications, desktop applications and server-side programming. 1) In website development, JavaScript operates DOM together with HTML and CSS to achieve dynamic effects and supports frameworks such as jQuery and React. 2) Through ReactNative and Ionic, JavaScript is used to develop cross-platform mobile applications. 3) The Electron framework enables JavaScript to build desktop applications. 4) Node.js allows JavaScript to run on the server side and supports high concurrent requests.

Python vs. JavaScript: Use Cases and Applications ComparedPython vs. JavaScript: Use Cases and Applications ComparedApr 21, 2025 am 12:01 AM

Python is more suitable for data science and automation, while JavaScript is more suitable for front-end and full-stack development. 1. Python performs well in data science and machine learning, using libraries such as NumPy and Pandas for data processing and modeling. 2. Python is concise and efficient in automation and scripting. 3. JavaScript is indispensable in front-end development and is used to build dynamic web pages and single-page applications. 4. JavaScript plays a role in back-end development through Node.js and supports full-stack development.

The Role of C/C   in JavaScript Interpreters and CompilersThe Role of C/C in JavaScript Interpreters and CompilersApr 20, 2025 am 12:01 AM

C and C play a vital role in the JavaScript engine, mainly used to implement interpreters and JIT compilers. 1) C is used to parse JavaScript source code and generate an abstract syntax tree. 2) C is responsible for generating and executing bytecode. 3) C implements the JIT compiler, optimizes and compiles hot-spot code at runtime, and significantly improves the execution efficiency of JavaScript.

JavaScript in Action: Real-World Examples and ProjectsJavaScript in Action: Real-World Examples and ProjectsApr 19, 2025 am 12:13 AM

JavaScript's application in the real world includes front-end and back-end development. 1) Display front-end applications by building a TODO list application, involving DOM operations and event processing. 2) Build RESTfulAPI through Node.js and Express to demonstrate back-end applications.

JavaScript and the Web: Core Functionality and Use CasesJavaScript and the Web: Core Functionality and Use CasesApr 18, 2025 am 12:19 AM

The main uses of JavaScript in web development include client interaction, form verification and asynchronous communication. 1) Dynamic content update and user interaction through DOM operations; 2) Client verification is carried out before the user submits data to improve the user experience; 3) Refreshless communication with the server is achieved through AJAX technology.

Understanding the JavaScript Engine: Implementation DetailsUnderstanding the JavaScript Engine: Implementation DetailsApr 17, 2025 am 12:05 AM

Understanding how JavaScript engine works internally is important to developers because it helps write more efficient code and understand performance bottlenecks and optimization strategies. 1) The engine's workflow includes three stages: parsing, compiling and execution; 2) During the execution process, the engine will perform dynamic optimization, such as inline cache and hidden classes; 3) Best practices include avoiding global variables, optimizing loops, using const and lets, and avoiding excessive use of closures.

Python vs. JavaScript: The Learning Curve and Ease of UsePython vs. JavaScript: The Learning Curve and Ease of UseApr 16, 2025 am 12:12 AM

Python is more suitable for beginners, with a smooth learning curve and concise syntax; JavaScript is suitable for front-end development, with a steep learning curve and flexible syntax. 1. Python syntax is intuitive and suitable for data science and back-end development. 2. JavaScript is flexible and widely used in front-end and server-side programming.

Python vs. JavaScript: Community, Libraries, and ResourcesPython vs. JavaScript: Community, Libraries, and ResourcesApr 15, 2025 am 12:16 AM

Python and JavaScript have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of community, libraries and resources. 1) The Python community is friendly and suitable for beginners, but the front-end development resources are not as rich as JavaScript. 2) Python is powerful in data science and machine learning libraries, while JavaScript is better in front-end development libraries and frameworks. 3) Both have rich learning resources, but Python is suitable for starting with official documents, while JavaScript is better with MDNWebDocs. The choice should be based on project needs and personal interests.

See all articles

Hot AI Tools

Undresser.AI Undress

Undresser.AI Undress

AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover

AI Clothes Remover

Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Undress AI Tool

Undress AI Tool

Undress images for free

Clothoff.io

Clothoff.io

AI clothes remover

Video Face Swap

Video Face Swap

Swap faces in any video effortlessly with our completely free AI face swap tool!

Hot Tools

mPDF

mPDF

mPDF is a PHP library that can generate PDF files from UTF-8 encoded HTML. The original author, Ian Back, wrote mPDF to output PDF files "on the fly" from his website and handle different languages. It is slower than original scripts like HTML2FPDF and produces larger files when using Unicode fonts, but supports CSS styles etc. and has a lot of enhancements. Supports almost all languages, including RTL (Arabic and Hebrew) and CJK (Chinese, Japanese and Korean). Supports nested block-level elements (such as P, DIV),

SecLists

SecLists

SecLists is the ultimate security tester's companion. It is a collection of various types of lists that are frequently used during security assessments, all in one place. SecLists helps make security testing more efficient and productive by conveniently providing all the lists a security tester might need. List types include usernames, passwords, URLs, fuzzing payloads, sensitive data patterns, web shells, and more. The tester can simply pull this repository onto a new test machine and he will have access to every type of list he needs.

VSCode Windows 64-bit Download

VSCode Windows 64-bit Download

A free and powerful IDE editor launched by Microsoft

Dreamweaver CS6

Dreamweaver CS6

Visual web development tools

MantisBT

MantisBT

Mantis is an easy-to-deploy web-based defect tracking tool designed to aid in product defect tracking. It requires PHP, MySQL and a web server. Check out our demo and hosting services.