Installing Dev Dependencies with npm: A Complete Guide to Dependencies, Scripts, and Best Practices

Did you know that 22 million new project management jobs are expected to be created by 2027? To seize this opportunity, it's essential to build skills in workflow management and seamless collaboration.

To succeed in project management, understanding devDependencies and mastering version control are crucial. These skills will help you automate tasks, maintain stable environments, and ensure compatibility within teams, making workflows more efficient.

If you’re looking to understand devDependencies and learn methods for installing dev dependencies with npm, this guide will help you. You’ll also discover alternative methods and tips for managing them effectively. Dive in!

What Are Development Dependencies?

Development dependencies (known as devDependencies) are tools and libraries needed during the development phase of a project but not necessary in the final production build. These include testing frameworks, transpilers, linters, and bundlers.

devDependencies are listed in the package.json file under the "devDependencies" section. They can be installed using package managers like npm or Yarn to streamline tasks like code testing and compiling.

You can add devDependencies using the following npm commands.

npm install eslint --save-dev

This command will add eslint as a devDependency and update your package.json file.

"devDependencies": {
  "eslint": "^8.0.0"
}

Now that you're familiar with development dependencies, let's explore installing dev dependencies with npm.

Installing Dev Dependencies with npm: A Step-by-Step Approach

You can install devDependencies with npm using two methods: using terminal commands with OS-specific considerations and manually editing the package.json file.

Here’s the breakdown of two methods for installing devDependencies.

Installing npm Modules as Development Dependencies

Development dependencies are needed during the development phase, such as testing tools like Mocha or build tools like Gulp. Here are the two methods for installing dev dependencies with npm.

Using Terminal Commands

You can use terminal commands to install a module as a development dependency. Here’s how to install it on various operating systems.

• Windows:

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run the following command.

npm install mocha --save-dev

• macOS/Linux:

Open the terminal and run the same command.

npm install gulp --save-dev

This command will add a specified module under the devDependencies section in package.json.

"devDependencies": {
  "mocha": "^10.0.0",
 "gulp": "^4.0.0"
}

Also Read: How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows? [Step-by-Step]

Manually Editing the package.json File

Perform the following steps to install dependencies manually.

• Open your project’s package.json file in a text editor.
• Add the devDependencies section if it doesn’t exist using the following code.

"devDependencies": {
    "mocha": "^10.0.0",
   "gulp": "^4.0.0"
}

• Save the file
• Run the following command to install all dependencies, including the manually added ones.

npm install

Now that you’ve explored ways of installing dev Dependencies with npm, let’s look at alternative methods for managing them.

What Are the Alternatives to npm for Managing Development Dependencies?

While npm is widely used for managing development dependencies, several alternative tools offer support for development needs, such as handling large projects or enabling real-time updates.

Here’s a list of alternatives to npm for installing devDependencies.

Learn how to use tools like npm, Yarn, and Nx for managing dependency. Join the free course on Introduction to Product Management.

Now that you’ve looked at the alternatives for installing dev dependencies with npm, let’s explore the differences between dependencies and devDependencies.

What’s the Difference Between Dependencies and devDependencies?

Understanding the difference between dependencies and devDependencies will help you determine whether a package is needed for the application to run in production or only required during development. Here’s how dependencies differ from devDependencies.

Now that you understand the difference between dependencies and devDependencies, let’s learn how to use npm scripts to enhance the development process.

How Can npm Scripts Streamline Your Development Process?

You can automate repetitive tasks such as testing, building, and linting using npm scripts. As a developer, you can easily execute tasks with a single command by defining these scripts in the package.json file.

Here are some examples of npm scripts for the development process.

1. Test Script: It is used to automate running test cases. Here’s how the Test Script is defined in the package.json file.

"scripts": {
  "test": "mocha"
}

You can run the Test Script with the following command.

npm run test

2. Lint Script: This script is used for automating code linting to ensure coding standards are followed. Here’s how Lint Script is defined in the package.json file.

"scripts": {
  "lint": "eslint ."
}

You can run the Lint Script using the following command.

npm run lint

3. Build Script: The Build Script is used to automate the process of bundling or compiling code. Here’s how the Build Script is defined in the package.json file.

"scripts": {
  "build": "webpack --mode production"
}

You can run the Build Script using the following command.

npm run build

Let’s explore how to update and remove unnecessary devDependencies using npm commands.

Updating and Removing Development Dependencies

Regular updating ensures that the project is compatible with the latest features and security patches while removing unused dependencies makes the project lightweight and organized. 

Here’s how you can update and remove devDependencies with npm commands. 

1. Updating devDependencies

By regularly updating devDependencies, you can ensure compatibility and access to the latest features. The following command updates to the latest compatible versions and saves the changes in the package.json file.

npm update --save-dev eslint webpack

2. Removing devDependencies

Removing unused devDependencies will keep the project lightweight. The following command removes the unnecessary dependencies and updates the package.json file.

npm uninstall @babel/core

Now that you’ve learned how to update and remove unnecessary dependencies, let’s examine scenarios where you may face difficulty in installing devDependencies.

What to Do if You Can't Install Dev Dependencies?

You may face difficulty in installing devDependencies due to specific environment settings or misconfigurations, such as package issues.  Here are some of the common reasons for failure and the solutions to overcome them.

• Production Environment Settings

In the production environment, devDependencies are usually excluded. You may need to include them explicitly using the --only=dev flag.

npm install --only=dev

• Misconfigured --production Flag

If the --production flag is set to true, you may face difficulty in installing devDependencies. Set the flag to false during installation to include devDependencies.

npm install --production=false

• Corrupt or Missing package.json File

A missing or corrupted package.json may prevent devDependencies from being installed. You need to verify the file or initialize a new npm package if required.

npm init -y

• Dependency Conflicts or Registry Issues

Installation can fail if there are conflicting dependencies or issues with the npm registry. You’ll have to clear the npm cache and retry.

npm cache clean --force && npm install

Curious to know the best practices for managing devDependencies? Check out the following section.

What Are the Best Practices for Managing Dev Dependencies?

Efficient management of devDependencies will ensure a stable, secure, and maintainable project. Here are some of the best practices that will optimize the development environment, avoid conflicts, and reduce unnecessary overhead in your projects.

• Minimize unnecessary dependencies

Include only those dependencies that are absolutely necessary for development tasks like testing, linting, or building.

• Use version pinning for stability

Make sure you pin specific versions of devDependencies in the package.json file to ensure consistent builds across different environments.

• Regularly clean unused dependencies 

Carry out regular audits and remove unused devDependencies to keep the project lightweight and reduce potential issues.

• Keep development dependencies local 

Install devDependencies on an individual project basis to avoid conflicts with global dependencies and ensure reproducibility.

• Automate dependency management

Make use of tools like npm outdated or GitHub Dependabot to monitor and update devDependencies automatically.

Now that you’ve reviewed best practices for managing devDependencies, let’s look at strategies to keep your development environment well-organized.

How Can You Keep Your Development Environment Organized and Efficient?

An organized development environment helps maintain project performance, minimize errors, and enhance collaboration. Efficiently managing dependencies is key to achieving these goals. Here are some tips to keep your development environment well-structured.

• Regularly audit dependencies
  Review your package.json regularly to identify and clean up unused dependencies. Use tools like npm prune to remove unnecessary modules.
• Use a .npmrc file
  You can use a .npmrc file for maintaining consistent settings, such as registries and cache locations, across all projects.
• Organize scripts in package.json
  Arrange npm scripts to simplify automation for tasks like testing, building, and deployment.
• Use local installations
  Use local installations of dependencies to remove global conflicts and ensure compatibility within your project.
• Leverage tools for dependency updates
  Use tools like Dependabot or npm-check-updates to find out about outdated dependencies and update them efficiently.
• Keep your Node.js version consistent
  Use nvm (Node Version Manager) to maintain consistency in Node.js versions across your development environments.

Also Read: Node JS Free Online Course with Certification [2025]

Now that you’ve learned tips for organizing your development environment, let’s explore strategies to master development tools.

How Can upGrad Help You Master Development Tools?

Development tools and devDependencies play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and high-performing projects. Mastering essential tools and techniques can open doors to promising careers in fields like DevOps and project management.

Platforms like upGrad offer you comprehensive courses in project management and DevOps that can help you prepare for roles in these fields.

Here are some courses offered by upGrad in project management and DevOps.

• MBA from O.P. Jindal Global University
• Post Graduate Diploma in Management (BIMTECH)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UGNXT
• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps
• Cloud Computing and DevOps Program by IIITB - (Executive)

Similar Read:

• Yarn vs NPM: Which Package Manager to Choose in 2024?
• package.json vs package-lock.json: Major Differences
• How to Install Specific Version of NPM Package?

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References:
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