Why developers should use npm ci instead of npm install and its benefits

As a developer, you may already be familiar with using npm install to install dependencies for your Node.js projects. However, there's another command you should consider using: npm ci. In this article, we'll explain why developers should use npm ci instead of npm install and its benefits.

What is npm ci? (https://docs.npmjs.com/cli/v9/commands/npm-ci)

npm ci is a command that stands for "clean install." Unlike npm install, which can install packages from the node_modules cache, npm ci installs packages from the package-lock.json file. This means that npm ci always installs a project with a clean slate, ensuring that you have the exact dependencies and versions listed in the package-lock.json file.

Why use npm ci?

Here are a few reasons why developers should use npm ci instead of npm install:

Consistency: npm ci ensures that all developers working on a project have the same exact dependencies and versions installed. This helps to eliminate inconsistencies in the development environment, making it easier to reproduce and debug issues.
Speed: Since npm ci always installs packages from the package-lock.json file, it doesn't need to check the node_modules cache. This means that npm ci can be much faster than npm install, especially for large projects with many dependencies.
Predictability: npm ci installs packages exactly as they are listed in the package-lock.json file, without any additional updates or modifications. This ensures that you always have a predictable and stable development environment, without unexpected changes in dependency versions.
Automation: npm ci is designed to be used in automated environments such as continuous integration and deployment pipelines. By using npm ci, you can ensure that your project is always built with a consistent and predictable set of dependencies, regardless of the environment.

How to use npm ci?

To use npm ci, simply run the following command in your project directory:

npm ci

This will install all of the dependencies listed in the package-lock.json file, ensuring a clean and consistent installation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, npm ci is a command that developers should consider using instead of npm install for their Node.js projects. It provides consistency, speed, predictability, and automation benefits, making it a valuable tool for any development team. So, if you haven't already, give npm ci a try and see how it can improve your workflow.