npm vs yarn
JavaScript Package Managers Comparison
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What's JavaScript Package Managers?

JavaScript package managers are essential tools for managing libraries and dependencies in web development projects. They streamline the process of installing, updating, and managing packages, allowing developers to focus on writing code rather than handling dependencies manually. npm (Node Package Manager) is the default package manager for Node.js and has a vast registry of packages, making it the most widely used. Yarn, developed by Facebook, aims to address some of the shortcomings of npm, such as speed and reliability, by introducing features like offline caching and deterministic installs. Both tools play a crucial role in modern web development, but they have distinct features and workflows that can influence a developer's choice.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
npm7,573,0228,91511.8 MB61416 days agoArtistic-2.0
yarn5,867,77241,5435.34 MB2,068a year agoBSD-2-Clause
Feature Comparison: npm vs yarn

Installation Speed

  • npm:

    npm has improved its installation speed over the years, but it can still be slower compared to Yarn, especially for larger projects with many dependencies. The installation process involves fetching packages from the registry and can sometimes lead to longer wait times.

  • yarn:

    Yarn is designed for speed, utilizing parallel installation of packages which significantly reduces the time taken to install dependencies. It also employs caching, allowing previously installed packages to be reused without needing to be fetched again from the registry.

Dependency Resolution

  • npm:

    npm uses a flat dependency structure, which can lead to potential issues with version conflicts if multiple packages require different versions of the same dependency. This can sometimes result in a less predictable dependency tree.

  • yarn:

    Yarn employs a more deterministic approach to dependency resolution, ensuring that the same dependencies are installed in the same way across different environments. Its lockfile feature captures the exact versions of dependencies, minimizing conflicts and ensuring consistency.

Offline Capability

  • npm:

    npm does not inherently support offline installations, which means that if a package is not cached locally, it must be fetched from the registry, requiring an internet connection.

  • yarn:

    Yarn allows for offline installations by caching every package it downloads. This means that once a package is installed, it can be reused without needing to connect to the internet, making it ideal for scenarios with limited connectivity.

User Experience

  • npm:

    npm has a straightforward command-line interface, but it can sometimes be less user-friendly, especially for beginners. The output can be verbose, making it harder to quickly identify issues during installation.

  • yarn:

    Yarn offers a more user-friendly command-line interface with clearer output and progress indicators. It provides more informative error messages, which can help developers quickly troubleshoot issues.

Community and Ecosystem

  • npm:

    npm has the largest ecosystem of packages available, being the default package manager for Node.js. This extensive library of packages ensures that developers can find almost any tool or library they need for their projects.

  • yarn:

    Yarn, while having a smaller ecosystem compared to npm, benefits from its integration with the npm registry, allowing it to access a vast number of packages. Additionally, Yarn's development by Facebook has fostered a strong community around it, particularly among React developers.

How to Choose: npm vs yarn
  • npm:

    Choose npm if you prefer a widely adopted standard with a massive ecosystem of packages and community support. It is ideal for projects that require a straightforward approach to package management and where you can benefit from its extensive documentation and resources.

  • yarn:

    Choose Yarn if you need faster installs, better dependency resolution, and offline capabilities. Yarn's lockfile ensures consistent installations across environments, making it suitable for larger projects or teams that require reliability and speed in managing dependencies.

Similar Npm Packages to npm

npm (Node Package Manager) is the default package manager for JavaScript and is widely used for managing packages in Node.js applications. It provides a robust ecosystem for developers to share and reuse code, manage dependencies, and automate various tasks in their projects. While npm is the most popular choice for package management, there are several alternatives that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • bower was a popular package manager for front-end dependencies, allowing developers to manage libraries and frameworks like jQuery, Bootstrap, and others. Although Bower has fallen out of favor in recent years due to the rise of npm and other modern tools, it was once a go-to solution for managing client-side packages. Developers who still work on legacy projects may encounter Bower, but for new projects, it is generally recommended to use npm or other modern alternatives.
  • jspm is a package manager that focuses on module loading and dependency management for JavaScript applications. It leverages the SystemJS module loader and allows developers to import packages directly from the npm registry or other sources. With its emphasis on ES modules and the ability to work seamlessly with modern JavaScript, jspm is a great choice for projects that require a modular approach to package management.
  • npm-check-updates is a command-line tool that helps developers manage and update their npm dependencies. It scans the project's package.json file and checks for newer versions of the installed packages, allowing developers to easily upgrade their dependencies to the latest versions. While it doesn't replace npm, it complements it by providing a streamlined way to keep dependencies up to date.
  • pnpm is an alternative package manager that aims to improve the performance and efficiency of dependency management. Unlike npm, pnpm uses a unique approach to store packages in a global store and creates hard links to them in the project's node_modules directory. This results in faster installations and reduced disk space usage. pnpm is an excellent choice for developers looking for a more efficient package management solution.
  • yarn is another popular alternative to npm, developed by Facebook. It offers a more deterministic approach to package management, ensuring that the same dependencies are installed across different environments. Yarn also includes features like workspaces for managing monorepos, offline caching, and a more user-friendly command-line interface. Many developers prefer Yarn for its speed and reliability, especially in larger projects.

For a comprehensive comparison of these package managers, check out the link: Comparing bower vs jspm vs npm vs npm-check-updates vs pnpm vs yarn.

Similar Npm Packages to yarn

yarn is a package manager for JavaScript that aims to provide a fast, reliable, and secure way to manage project dependencies. Developed by Facebook, yarn offers several features that enhance the developer experience, such as deterministic installs, offline caching, and workspaces for managing multiple packages within a single repository. Yarn's focus on speed and efficiency has made it a popular choice among developers looking for an alternative to npm. However, there are other package managers available that also serve similar purposes. Here are a few alternatives:

  • bower is a package manager specifically designed for front-end web development. It allows developers to manage components and libraries in their projects easily. While bower was popular in the past, it has fallen out of favor due to the rise of modern JavaScript frameworks and module bundlers that integrate better with npm and yarn. Nevertheless, it can still be useful for managing front-end dependencies in legacy projects.
  • jspm is a package manager that focuses on module loading and ES6 module syntax. It allows developers to install and manage packages from various sources, including npm and GitHub, while also providing a seamless experience for loading modules in the browser. Although jspm offers unique features, its adoption has declined as other tools like webpack and Rollup have become more popular for module bundling and dependency management.
  • npm is the default package manager for Node.js and is widely used in the JavaScript ecosystem. It provides a vast registry of packages and a straightforward command-line interface for managing dependencies. While npm has made significant improvements in recent years, such as introducing package-lock.json for deterministic installs, some developers still prefer yarn for its speed and additional features.
  • pnpm is a fast and efficient package manager that uses a unique approach to dependency management by creating a single store for all packages on the disk. This reduces disk space usage and speeds up installations. pnpm is particularly beneficial for monorepos and projects with many dependencies, making it a strong alternative to both npm and yarn.

To see how yarn compares with bower, jspm, npm, and pnpm, check out the comparison: Comparing bower vs jspm vs npm vs pnpm vs yarn.

README for npm

npm - a JavaScript package manager

Requirements

You should be running a currently supported version of Node.js to run npm. For a list of which versions of Node.js are currently supported, please see the Node.js releases page.

Installation

npm comes bundled with node, & most third-party distributions, by default. Officially supported downloads/distributions can be found at: nodejs.org/en/download

Direct Download

You can download & install npm directly from npmjs.com using our custom install.sh script:

curl -qL https://www.npmjs.com/install.sh | sh

Node Version Managers

If you're looking to manage multiple versions of Node.js &/or npm, consider using a node version manager

Usage

npm <command>

Links & Resources

  • Documentation - Official docs & how-tos for all things npm
    • Note: you can also search docs locally with npm help-search <query>
  • Bug Tracker - Search or submit bugs against the CLI
  • Roadmap - Track & follow along with our public roadmap
  • Community Feedback and Discussions - Contribute ideas & discussion around the npm registry, website & CLI
  • RFCs - Contribute ideas & specifications for the API/design of the npm CLI
  • Service Status - Monitor the current status & see incident reports for the website & registry
  • Project Status - See the health of all our maintained OSS projects in one view
  • Events Calendar - Keep track of our Open RFC calls, releases, meetups, conferences & more
  • Support - Experiencing problems with the npm website or registry? File a ticket here

Acknowledgments

  • npm is configured to use the npm Public Registry at https://registry.npmjs.org by default; Usage of this registry is subject to Terms of Use available at https://npmjs.com/policies/terms
  • You can configure npm to use any other compatible registry you prefer. You can read more about configuring third-party registries here

FAQ on Branding

Is it "npm" or "NPM" or "Npm"?

npm should never be capitalized unless it is being displayed in a location that is customarily all-capitals (ex. titles on man pages).

Is "npm" an acronym for "Node Package Manager"?

Contrary to popular belief, npm is not in fact an acronym for "Node Package Manager"; It is a recursive bacronymic abbreviation for "npm is not an acronym" (if the project was named "ninaa", then it would be an acronym). The precursor to npm was actually a bash utility named "pm", which was the shortform name of "pkgmakeinst" - a bash function that installed various things on various platforms. If npm were to ever have been considered an acronym, it would be as "node pm" or, potentially "new pm".

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