Node.js Package JSON Overview

Introduction

• Welcome back to the channel. This video talks about the importance of package.json files in Node.js projects.
• The video aims to provide detailed information on package.json due to its frequent appearance in interviews.
• A recap from the last video was given; however, this video delves deeper.

Importance of package.json

• Interview Relevance: Questions about package.json are common in interviews, especially related to Node.js and libraries.
• Work Consistency: Whether working with Angular, React, or Vue, the structure and use of package.json remain consistent.
• Interview Practice: The speaker frequently asks about package.json in interviews to understand dependencies and project setup.

Key Topics Covered

1. What is package.json?

   • It stores all project details like version, commands, libraries, and dependencies.
   • It helps in ensuring the project configuration and management are streamlined.

2. Node Modules Handling

   • Node Modules Exclusion: Often, node modules are not pushed to repositories as they are heavy and unnecessary for version control.
   • Installation: Developers can simply use npm install to download dependencies listed in the package.json rather than pushing node_modules.

3. Installing Packages

   • Automatic Entry: Installing a package through commands like npm install automatically updates package.json.
   • Manual Entry: Manually adding dependencies in package.json and running npm install to set them up.

4. Removing Packages

   • Use the command npm uninstall <package-name> or remove from package.json and run npm install to clean up.

5. Custom Commands in package.json

   • Creating custom scripts in package.json for specific tasks. Example: Add a script "start": "node app.js".