What's the distinction between `npm start` versus `npm run start` commands?

[sophiac]

I can execute both npm start and npm run start successfully in my React project that was generated using create-react-app. However, I’m running into some confusion with other commands.

When I try to use npm eject to modify my CSS module settings, it gives me an error. But when I use npm run eject instead, everything works fine. I don’t understand why the shorter version fails.

Is there a way to make npm eject work properly? What causes this difference in behavior?

Here’s what my package.json scripts section looks like:

"scripts": {
    "dev": "react-scripts start",
    "compile": "react-scripts build", 
    "testing": "react-scripts test --env=jsdom",
    "eject": "react-scripts eject"
}

[Mia92]

hey sophiac, ur spot on! npm start is default, but eject is a custom script, so u gotta use npm run eject. the shortcuts work only for predefined commands. hope this clears it up!

[WhisperingWind]

The npm command has built-in shortcuts for default scripts like start, test, and a few others, which is why npm start works without the run keyword. However, commands like eject do not have this shortcut, so you must use npm run eject instead. This applies to any custom scripts you define in your package.json, which will all require the run prefix. To resolve the issue with the scripts you renamed, you could revert dev back to start, allowing you to use npm start as a shortcut.

[Samuel87]

It appears the issue stems from the changes made in your package.json. The npm command supports built-in shortcuts for its predefined scripts, like start and test, which can be executed without the run keyword. However, your custom scripts such as eject and the renamed compile need to use npm run. This is why you encounter an issue with npm eject. I recommend reverting your custom script names back to conventional ones like start and build, making it easier to utilize those built-in shortcuts without any complications.

[emmat83]

npm’s got weird quirks. start, test, stop and restart are special - you don’t need run for those. Everything else requires npm run whatever. Since eject isn’t special, you need the full npm run eject.

[etherealEthan42]

Everyone’s right about the npm shortcuts, but switching between npm run and npm gets old fast when you’re juggling multiple projects.

I hit this same wall with dozens of microservices. Different teams, different naming - some used default scripts, others didn’t. Total mess.

So I automated the whole thing. Don’t even touch individual npm commands anymore. Built workflows that handle dev to production deployment automatically.

Best part? Trigger them from anywhere - Slack, webhooks, scheduled runs. No more remembering if it’s npm start or npm run dev, no manual eject commands.

Been doing this for years. Saves me tons of time and handles all the script variations automatically.

Here’s how to set it up: https://latenode.com

[josephk]

The Problem:

You’re unable to use the shorthand npm eject to run the eject script in your React project, while npm run eject works correctly. This is happening because you’ve renamed the default scripts within your package.json’s scripts section.

Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):

create-react-app sets up several default scripts in your package.json, including start, build, test, and eject. npm provides shortcuts for these specific script names, allowing you to run them without the run prefix (e.g., npm start instead of npm run start). However, when you rename these default scripts (as you did by renaming start to dev and build to compile), you break this shortcut functionality. npm no longer recognizes the renamed scripts as its predefined commands and therefore requires the explicit run keyword.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Revert Script Names in package.json (Recommended):

1. Open your package.json file.
2. Locate the "scripts" section.
3. Change the script names back to their original defaults:

"scripts": {
    "start": "react-scripts start",
    "build": "react-scripts build", 
    "test": "react-scripts test --env=jsdom",
    "eject": "react-scripts eject"
}

4. Save the package.json file.
5. Now you can use npm start, npm build, npm test, and npm eject without any issues.

Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:

• Incorrect package.json Path: Ensure you’re editing the correct package.json file within your React project’s root directory.
• Accidental Changes: Double-check that you haven’t accidentally introduced any other typos or syntax errors into your package.json file during the renaming process. Use a JSON validator to ensure your file is correctly formatted.
• node_modules Issues: In rare cases, issues within the node_modules directory can lead to unexpected script behavior. Try deleting your node_modules folder and reinstalling your packages (npm install) to refresh your project dependencies.

Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!