npm explore Command

npm explore command is used to temporarily enter references to packages installed on the machine, so you can execute commands in the environment, it's especially useful for debugging or checking the status of files and dependencies in a package.

What Is the npm explore Command?

The npm explore command allows you to run commands within the context of installed npm packages, this is similar to going into the package directory and executing the command directly but there is no permanent modification to your working directory, it's a useful tool for developers who want to inspect a package's structure, do things like linting or testing, or explore a package's internal script.

Steps to Execute the npm explore Command

Syntax:

npm explore <package-name> -- <command>

Example:

npm explore lodash -- npm run test

This tells us version of lodash package.

Key Benefits of Using npm explore

• Easy Package Inspection: Allows you to inspect package files, configuration etc without having to manually explore directories.
• Run Custom Commands: It can execute commands like tests, linting or custom scripts within package environment.
• Quick Debugging: It allows you to work directly with package dependencies when debugging.

Why Use the npm explore Command?

When working with npm packages, you often need to inspect or debug installed dependencies, the npm explore command allows you to quickly run commands in the context of the package.

Use Cases:

• View Package Contents: It can inspect structure of installed packages without leaving your project.
• Test Commands Inside a Package: It can execute commands like testing or debugging.
• Temporary Environment: Use package environment for job without permanently changing the work directory.

How the npm explore Command Works

When you run the npm explore command, it allows you to enter references to temporarily installed packages and execute commands within that environment, the command works according to the following behavior

• Installed Packages: It can search for packages that are already installed locally or globally.
• Command Execution: You can run any command within context of the package It's similar to manually navigating the package directory.
• Temporary Context: After executing command npm explore returns you to your original working directory.

Managing Versions with npm explore

When you search for a specific version of a package, npm makes sure the correct version is used, you can also connect to npm ls to determine version of packages installed in your project before searching for them.

Example

Run and know version of lodash package

npm explore lodash -- npm run test

Output:

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Article Tags :

• Web Technologies
• Node.js
• Node-npm