I’m trying to set up a mobile JavaScript debugger called Aardwolf using the provided instructions. I am working on a Windows XP SP2 32-bit system and am new to git, node.js, and npm.
I’m encountering a problem at the step that says to download the required libraries by running “npm link” in the checked-out directory.
I’ve tried running the command in Git Bash:
npm.cmd link ../../Aardwolf
./npm.cmd: line 1: unexpected EOF while looking for matching `''
./npm.cmd: line 7: syntax error: unexpected end of file
I then reinstalled Git and attempted to use it through the Windows Command Line, and here’s what happened:
npm link
npm ERR: Error: npm link not supported on windows
It mentions more errors about specific files, but this is the main issue. Is there a workaround to make npm link work on Windows?
Thanks for your help.
As someone who’s wrestled with npm on Windows before, I feel your pain. The npm link command can be a real headache on Windows systems due to how they handle symbolic links.
Here’s what I’d suggest:
First, try using the --no-bin-links flag when running npm commands. This might bypass the symlink issue:
npm install --no-bin-links
npm link --no-bin-links
If that doesn’t work, you might need to manually copy the Aardwolf files into your global npm directory. You can find this directory by running npm config get prefix.
Another option is to use a tool like nvm-windows to manage your Node.js installations. It can sometimes help with npm-related issues on Windows.
Lastly, if all else fails, consider setting up a Linux virtual machine or using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) if you’re on a newer Windows version. It’s a bit of extra setup, but it can save you a lot of headaches in the long run when working with Node.js and npm.
hey man, i’ve had similar issues on windows. npm link can be a real pain. have u tried using the --no-bin-links flag? like this:
npm link --no-bin-links
if that doesnt work, maybe try manually copying the files to ur global npm directory. u can find it by running npm config get prefix.
hope that helps!
I’ve been in your shoes before, dealing with npm on Windows can be a real headache. From my experience, the npm link command often causes issues due to how Windows handles symbolic links.
Here’s what worked for me:
First, try running npm with the --no-bin-links flag. It might bypass the symlink problem:
npm link --no-bin-links
If that doesn’t cut it, you might need to manually copy Aardwolf files to your global npm directory. You can find it by running npm config get prefix.
Another option I’ve found helpful is using nvm-windows to manage Node.js installations. It can sometimes resolve npm-related problems on Windows.
As a last resort, consider setting up a Linux VM or using WSL if you’re on a newer Windows version. It’s extra work upfront, but it can save you a lot of trouble down the line when working with Node.js and npm.
Good luck with your setup!