NPM or NPX?

When working with JavaScript and Node.js, you’ll often come across npm and npx. While both are command-line tools used in the Node.js ecosystem, they serve different purposes. In this article, we'll explore what npm and npx are, their similarities, and their differences.

What is npm?

npm (Node Package Manager) is the default package manager for Node.js. It helps developers install, manage, and share JavaScript packages (also called modules or libraries). npm is included automatically when you install Node.js.

Key Features of npm:

• Install packages locally or globally:Local installation: npm install <package> (installs in the project folder).Global installation: npm install -g <package> (installs system-wide).

• Manage package dependencies: The package.json file keeps track of installed packages and their versions.

• Run scripts: You can execute scripts defined in package.json using npm run <script-name>.

• Update and remove packages: Easily update (npm update <package>) or remove (npm uninstall <package>) dependencies.

Example Usage of npm:

What is npx?

npx (Node Package eXecute) is a command-line tool that comes with npm (version 5.2.0 and later). It is designed to run Node.js packages without needing to install them globally.

Key Features of npx:

• Run a package without installing it globally: If a package is not installed, npx will temporarily download and run it.

• Execute CLI tools without global installation: Useful for tools like create-react-app, vite, and nodemon.

• Run local project binaries: If a package is installed locally in node_modules/.bin, npx can run it directly.

• Automatically fetch and execute the latest package version.

Example Usage of npx:

Similarities Between npm and npx

Differences Between npm and npx

When to Use npm vs. npx?

Example Use Cases

• Use npm install to permanently add a package to a project.

• Use npx create-react-app my-app to create a new React project without installing create-react-app globally.

• Use npm run start to execute a script from package.json.

• Use npx eslint myfile.js to run ESLint without adding it globally.