npm vs. npx: A Beginner's Guide

What are npm and npx?

Both npm and npx are tools used in the JavaScript ecosystem. They are essential for managing packages, dependencies, and running scripts in Node.js projects. While they might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes.

npm: The Node Package Manager
Purpose: npm is primarily used to install, manage, and publish packages. It creates a local directory called node_modules to store these packages.

Usage:
Installing packages: npm install <package-name>
Updating packages: npm update <package-name>
Uninstalling packages: npm uninstall <package-name>
Publishing packages: npm publish

npx: A Tool for Executing Packages

Purpose: npx is designed to execute packages without installing them globally. It searches for the package in the local node_modules directory or, if not found, installs it temporarily for that specific command.
Usage:
Running a command from a package:

npx <package-name> <command>

Why use npx?

Avoids global installation:

• By using npx, you don't need to clutter your global environment with packages that might only be used in specific projects.

Temporary access:

• If you need to use a package only once, npx provides a convenient way to do so without permanently installing it.

Testing packages:

• You can try out new packages before committing to installing them in your project.
  In summary:

• npm: For managing packages and dependencies in your projects.

• npx: For executing packages temporarily without global installation.