What is npm? What is the main functionality of npm?

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npm stands for Node Package Manager. Following are the two main functionalities of npm:

  • Online repositories for node.js packages/modules which are searchable on search.nodejs.org
  • Command line utility to install packages, do version management and dependency management of Node.js packages.

For a Node.js interview, the correct answer to the question “What is npm? What is the main functionality of npm?” would be:

  1. What is npm?
    npm stands for Node Package Manager. It is the default package manager for Node.js, used to install, manage, and share packages of JavaScript code to be used in Node.js projects.
  2. Main functionality of npm:
    The main functionality of npm includes:

    • Package Installation: npm allows developers to install packages or libraries from the npm registry. Developers can specify dependencies in their projects’ package.json files and npm will resolve and install them along with their dependencies.
    • Dependency Management: npm helps manage dependencies efficiently by tracking and resolving dependencies recursively. It ensures that the required packages are installed in the correct version and resolves version conflicts.
    • Version Management: npm enables developers to manage package versions easily. Developers can update, downgrade, or uninstall packages using npm commands.
    • Package Publishing: npm allows developers to publish their own packages to the npm registry, making them available for others to use. This fosters a vibrant ecosystem of reusable code.
    • Script Running: npm provides a way to run scripts defined in the package.json file. This is useful for tasks such as running tests, building the project, or starting the application.
    • Global and Local Installation: npm allows packages to be installed globally, making them accessible from the command line, or locally within a specific project.
    • Security: npm provides features like package signing and scanning for vulnerabilities to ensure the security of packages being installed.

By understanding and utilizing these functionalities, developers can effectively manage dependencies, streamline development workflows, and leverage the vast ecosystem of packages available through npm.