How to Check NPM Version? [Get Latest NPM]

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Since the launch of Node.js in 2009, it has modified itself from a platform known for developing server applications to a popular programming tool to implement various dynamic programs and automation goals. This tutorial will guide you how to check NPM version?

The high popularity of Node.js results in making the NPM a leading repository for open-source software packages globally. The blog covers every detail about NPM, including ways to check NPM versions and install NPM. So, let’s roll down without any further ado.

How to Check NPM Version? [Step by step tutorial guide]

Follow the steps mentioned below to check the NPM version of the system:

Step 1: Open “Run” on a computer or laptop and use the shortcut “Window + R” rather than hitting the search for Run and save time.

Step 2: Enter “cmd” to open the Command Prompt.

Step 3: Now to check the NPM version, type the command

NPM -- version or NPM -v

(remember to keep the double hyphens in the first command)

Note: Ensure Node is installed in your system before running this command; otherwise, it will not show any result.

What is NPM?

NPM is an abbreviation for “Node Package Manager,” which is the default package manager for JavaScript's runtime Node.js. One of the largest software registries, NPM installs the packages and provides a user interface to work interactively.

It works as both a command-line interface (CLI) tool as well as a repository. Using it as a repository helps developers release and share reusable code and is composed of 800,000 packages. Whereas using it as a CLI tool allows users to download and install packages for the applications.

The following four lines describe NPM the best:

Currently, it is the largest and most used software registry in the world.
NPM contains more than 800,000 code packages for users.
Open-source developers also use NPM to share software.
Many businesses and organizations use NPM for better management of private development.

NPM is used for:

Allowing you to get dedicated tools instantly.
Running packages without downloading.
Enabling users to share code with anyone from anywhere.
Allowing the restriction of codes within developers.
Creating virtual teams.
Automatically managing and organize multiple codes and their dependencies.
Automatically updating the application right after updating the code.
Enabling users to choose from multiple ways to achieve a goal.
Allowing developers to discover other developers working on the same project.

What is package.json?

All the JavaScript projects, irrespective of Node.js or browser applications, can be created as an NPM package with its dedicated package information and its package.json stamp, which describes the project.

Majorly, package.json is created when the NPM unit runs to initialize a JavaScript/Node.js project. Following is the basic metadata provided by developers.

Name: It is the name of your JavaScript library or project.
Version: It defines the version of a specific project, but this file is often neglected in application development because there’s no apparent need for open-source versioning libraries.
Description: A summary of your project. Keep it informative, short, and simple.
License: It is a necessary field where you have to add your project’s license.

Benefits of NPM

1. Easy to Learn

Offers a great interface, NPM is relatively easy to get started with, and knowing JavaScript and Object-Oriented Programming basics is enough to start. However, to help everyone out, there are thousands of quality courses, tutorials, and examples are available that make learning easy to grasp.

2. More Time to Market

NPM works relentlessly to iterate fast, test, and store things as quickly as possible to save a lot of precious time for businesses and individuals. Therefore, it offers comparatively more time in making the time-to-market cycle shorter and robust. It is majorly because the technology is lightweight and can cut-short the application development time and improve efficiency.

3. Scalability

Scalability is one of the core functionalities of NPM. Helping businesses and startups grow over time; this automatic package manager helps develop light to manage their dependencies.

Moreover, it is well-suited for a microservices architecture as well. That makes it a go-to package manager for projects planned to scale and grow in the longer run. Users can also create a separate microservice that can be scaled separately from all other parts.

4. Community

Backed by an active community, NPM will never let you get stuck on any step. It is extremely professional and the big Node.js community will help every developer produce multiple tools and decent instruments that enhance the development speed and quality.

By offering tons of libraries and reusable code templates, users can incorporate code to have more value and have modules for nearly anything one can imagine in the NPM ecosystem. Moreover, various developers and product owners worldwide will help you with any question anytime.

5. Seamless JSON support

Unlike others, NPM uses JSON file format for communication. Therefore, it makes things possible without transforming binary models and utilizes JavaScript as well. This seamless support is another useful advantage for the JavaScript ecosystem.

6. Minimal Viable Product

MVPs of minimal viable products are a fraction of software with a dedicated feature launched frequently to satisfy the first customers. With the help of NPM development of MVPs is done within minimal time without tons of effort.

Developers can input short budgets and huge marketing of the product’s idea with minimal efforts and investments. It will help them get better insights and let the product obtain a large audience before the actual release.

How to Install NPM?

The installation process of NPM is straightforward and done with the installer package available at the Node.js website. However, an individual must be well-versed with the applications to issue command-line instructions, such as Windows Command Prompt and Git shell.

How to Install NPM on Windows or macOS

Visit the page Nodejs.org and download the package installer.
Run the installer downloaded in the step above.
Follow the instructions given in the installer, like accepting the license agreement, clicking on “next,” and accepting the default installation.
Restart the computer to run NPM successfully.

How to Install NPM on Linux

For the developers using Linux, they have to download the following installers:

NodeSource installer is recommended
Else, one can visit this page and opt for installing any installer of their choice.

Conclusion

Node Package Manager helps developers get the required tools instantly that can be shared with anyone from anywhere. It allows users to create virtual teams and liberates users to manage codes on their dependencies automatically.

this tutorial gives you a complete brief about how to check NPM version and a complete installation guide on the various operating systems. if you feel we have completed your journey then you can spread this tutorial to the needed one.

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