Hey folks, I’m trying to wrap my head around Node.js and setting up a build system for my JavaScript app. I’m using npm and grunt, but I’m confused about a few things.
I installed grunt locally in my project folder, and now I see two node_modules directories - one in my project root and another inside the grunt folder. What’s the deal with that? Is this normal?
Also, I’m wondering:
- If I install more modules, will they each have their own
node_modules folder too?
- What happens if I run
npm install from a subdirectory? Does it install stuff just for that folder or for the whole project?
I’d really appreciate if someone could explain how this directory structure works and if I’m missing anything important. Thanks!
The multiple node_modules directories are indeed normal in Node.js projects. This structure supports package isolation and version management.
When you run npm install from a subdirectory, npm traverses up from the current directory to find the nearest package.json file to determine where to install packages. As a result, you might see multiple node_modules folders depending on your project structure and module dependencies.
Keep in mind that npm aims for a flat dependency structure when possible, reducing duplication. For more complex projects, consider using tools like npm workspaces or Lerna to streamline dependency management.
Always commit your package.json and package-lock.json files, but avoid committing the node_modules directory.
I’ve been working with Node.js for a few years now, and I totally get your confusion. The node_modules structure can be a bit tricky at first.
Here’s what I’ve learned: It’s normal to have multiple node_modules folders. Each package can have its own dependencies, which get installed in its own node_modules directory.
When you run npm install from a subdirectory, it looks for the nearest package.json file and installs dependencies there. So it could affect just that folder or the whole project, depending on your setup.
One tip: use npm’s --save flag when installing packages. This adds them to your package.json, making it easier to manage dependencies across your project.
Hope this helps clarify things a bit. Node.js has a learning curve, but once you get it, it’s pretty powerful!
yo, ive seen this nodemods mess too. its normal to have multiple folders: each pkg has its own deps. when u run npm install, it searches for the nearest package.json to install. maybe try yarn, it handles deps better. good luck with ur project!