When it comes to installing packages with npm, there are two options: global and local. Understanding the difference between the two and knowing when to use each can greatly impact your development workflow. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of global and local packages and discuss the best practices for their installation.
Local Packages
Local packages are installed in the directory where you run the npm install <package-name> command. These packages are then placed in the node_modules folder under that directory. The key advantage of local packages is that each project has its own version of the package, allowing for version control and flexibility.
This means that you can have multiple applications on your computer, each running a different version of the same package if needed. Updating a local package only affects the specific project it is installed in, preventing any potential compatibility issues with other projects.
While some may argue that installing packages locally can be resource-intensive, the minimal resource usage is well worth the trade-off for maintaining project stability and compatibility.
Global Packages
On the other hand, global packages are installed in a centralized location in your system, regardless of where you run the npm install -g <package-name> command. This global installation allows for the reuse of the package across different projects. Global packages are typically used for packages that provide executable commands that can be run from the shell (CLI).
Some common examples of popular global packages include npm, create-react-app, vue-cli, grunt-cli, mocha, react-native-cli, gatsby-cli, forever, and nodemon. These packages, when installed globally, provide convenient command-line utilities that can be accessed from anywhere within your system.
While it is possible to install executable commands locally and run them using npx, certain packages are better suited for global installation.
Best Practices
In general, it is recommended to install packages locally to ensure project-specific dependencies and version control. This approach allows for easy management of package versions and prevents any unexpected compatibility issues.
However, if a package provides a CLI utility that is commonly used across multiple projects, installing it globally can be beneficial. This allows for easy access to the command-line tool from any project within your system.
To check the global packages installed on your system, simply run the following command in your command line:
npm list -g --depth 0
This will provide you with a list of all the globally installed packages.
By following these best practices, you can effectively manage your npm packages, ensuring project stability and avoiding any potential headaches caused by incompatible dependencies.
Remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to install packages locally and make use of virtual environments or dependency managers to handle any conflicts between various projects.