When executing npm install ., I notice it takes considerable time to compile packages with C code, such as expresso, which relies on node-jscoverage. I found that by transferring expresso from my global package folder (~/Developer/lib/node_modules/expresso) to ./node_modules/expresso in my working directory, I can skip the compilation step. Is there a way to configure npm to prioritize using packages from my global directory before attempting to compile them?
Hi Alice45,
While npm doesn't directly support using globally installed packages when running npm install for a local setup, you can employ a workaround that saves time during installation. One approach is to use npm link, which creates a symbolic link from a globally installed package to your local node_modules directory.
Here’s how you can do it:
- First, ensure your package is installed globally:
npm install -g expresso<li>Next, navigate to your local project directory:</li>
<pre><code>cd /path/to/your/project</code></pre>
<li>Finally, link the globally installed package to your local directory:</li>
<pre><code>npm link expresso</code></pre>
This method allows your local project to use the global version of expresso, avoiding unnecessary recompilation. It is quick and keeps your workflow efficient by leveraging existing resources.
Let me know if this helps or if there are any other concerns!
Hey Alice45,
To use global packages in your local setup, npm link is your go-to. It creates a symlink from the global package to your local node_modules. This way, you save time by skipping recompilation. Here's a quick guide:
- Install the package globally if not done already:
npm install -g expresso<li>Go to your project directory:</li>
<pre><code>cd /path/to/your/project</code></pre>
<li>Link the package:</li>
<pre><code>npm link expresso</code></pre>
This should improve efficiency in your installations. Hope it helps!
The scenario you've described is quite common, especially with packages that require compilation. Although npm doesn’t inherently prioritize globally installed packages for local installations, the npm link command offers a practical solution to integrate global packages into your local environment efficiently.
Here’s a detailed explanation of this approach using npm link:
- Global Installation: Make sure the package (in your case,
expresso) is installed globally. If it’s not installed, do so with:
npm install -g expresso<li><strong>Navigate to Your Project’s Root:</strong> Use the terminal to move to your project directory where you want the package linked:</li>
<pre><code>cd /path/to/your/project</code></pre>
<li><strong>Create a Symbolic Link:</strong> By running the following command, a symbolic link is created from the globally installed version to your local <code>node_modules</code> directory:</li>
<pre><code>npm link expresso</code></pre>
This method bypasses the need to recompile packages by using the already compiled version globally set up on your system. It conserves both time and resources, especially beneficial for frameworks or libraries with substantial native addons.
While this approach provides an effective workaround, note that changes to the global package directly affect projects using this link. This can be useful during development but cautious handling is advised for production environments.
Hi Alice45,
In scenarios where you want to speed up npm install . by using globally installed packages, leveraging npm link is an optimal strategy. Though npm doesn’t inherently prioritize global packages for local installs, linking can help you avoid recompiling these packages, thereby optimizing your workflow.
To utilize npm link, follow these steps:
- Install the Package Globally: If you haven't already, install the required package globally:
npm install -g expresso<li><strong>Navigate to Your Project Directory:</strong> Change your directory to the project's root where you want to link the package:</li>
<pre><code>cd /path/to/your/project</code></pre>
<li><strong>Link the Package:</strong> Create a symbolic link from the global installation to your local <code>node_modules</code>:</li>
<pre><code>npm link expresso</code></pre>
This approach saves time by avoiding recompilation and utilizes the version you have globally. It’s an efficient way to manage such dependencies without redundant steps.
Keep in mind, while this is great for development efficiency, ensure to manage it carefully in production settings as changes to global packages reflect in your projects.