Table of Contents
Introduction
npm
npx
Differences between npm and npx
Example
Another example
Conclusion
Why should you care?
Introduction:
Npm and npx are two CLI tools that are used to manage Node.js packages. However, they have different purposes. Npm is a package manager, which means that it allows you to install, uninstall, and update Node.js packages. Npx is a package executor, which means that it allows you to execute Node.js packages without having to install them first.
npm:
Npm is a package manager that allows you to install, uninstall, and update Node.js packages. It is the default package manager for Node.js, and it is installed automatically when you install Node.js.
To use npm, you can run the following commands:
npm install <package-name>
npm uninstall <package-name>
npm update <package-name>
For example, to install the create-next-app package, you would run the following command:
npm install create-next-app
Once the package is installed, you can use it in your project by importing it into your code. For example, to create a new Next.js app, you would run the following command:
npx create-next-app my-app
npx:
Npx is a package executor that allows you to execute Node.js packages without having to install them first. This can be useful for a variety of reasons, such as:
Trying out a new package without having to install it globally.
Running a package that you only need to use once.
Running a package from a project that doesn't have the package installed.
To use npx, simply run the following command:
npx <package-name>
For example, to create a new Next.js app, you would run the following command:
npx create-next-app my-app
Npx will then download the create-next-app package temporarily and execute it. This will create a new Next.js app called my-app.
Differences between npm and npx:
The following table summarizes the key differences between npm and npx:
| Feature | npm | npx |
| Purpose | Package manager | Package executor |
| Installs packages | Yes | No |
| Needs packages to be installed globally | Yes | No |
| Useful for | Installing, uninstalling, and updating packages | Trying out new packages, running packages once, running packages from projects without the package installed |
Example
# Install the create-next-app package globally
npm install create-next-app -g
# Create a new Next.js app
npx create-next-app my-app
In this example, npm is used to install the create-next-app package globally. This means that the package can be used from anywhere on your computer.
Npx is then used to create a new Next.js app. Npx will download the create-next-app package temporarily and execute it. This will create a new Next.js app called my-app.
Another example:
# Install and run the eslint package
npx eslint my-code.js
In this example, npx is used to install and run the eslint package. Npx will download the eslint package temporarily and execute it on the my-code.js file. This will lint the code and report any errors.
Conclusion
Npx is a powerful tool that can be used to make working with Node.js packages more efficient and convenient. It is especially useful for trying out new packages, running packages once, and running packages from projects without the package installed.
Why should you care?
Npx is a relatively new tool, but it is quickly becoming a popular choice for working with Node.js packages. This is because it offers a number of advantages over npm, such as:
Convenience: Npx makes it easy to run Node.js packages without having to install them first. This can save you time and disk space.
Flexibility: Npx can be used to run Node.js packages from anywhere on your computer, even if they are not installed globally. This can be useful for working on projects that have different package requirements.
Safety: Npx does not install packages globally, which can help to reduce the risk of conflicts with other packages.
If you are a Node.js developer, I encourage you to give npx a try. You may be surprised at how useful