Mastering NPM (Node Package Manager)

Understand the role of NPM in modern web development—dependency management, scripts, sharing code.

Install Node.js and NPM, verify versions, and explore the CLI.

Create your first package.json and understand each field.

Learn how to install packages (npm install, -g, --save, --save-dev) and when to use each.

Understand ^, ~, and *, and how to lock or update versions safely.

Use npm update, npm uninstall, and version checks.

Differentiate between build-time and runtime dependencies.

Use the scripts section of package.json to automate tasks (build, test, lint, start).

Chain scripts, pass arguments, and use cross-platform compatible tools.

Add lifecycle scripts to customize behavior at different stages.

Customize registry URLs, scopes, proxy settings, token auth, and cache behavior.

Set up multi-package projects with shared dependencies.

Use npm audit and npm audit fix to scan and patch security issues.

Understand lockfiles, reproducible builds, and how to handle merge conflicts.

Create a library using CommonJS or ESModules with proper exports.

Properly document your package (README.md, keywords, license, versioning).

Sign up for npmjs.com, log in via CLI, and publish your first version.

Learn to bump versions with npm version, deprecate packages, and unpublish safely.

Use scoped naming for orgs and configure access to private registries.

Test local packages in different projects before publishing.

Use peer deps for plugin-like behavior and optional deps for fallback logic.

Understand how NPM resolves dependencies and minimizes duplication.

Integrate NPM into GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and other pipelines.