What command is used to create a new Node.js project with npm?

The command npm init is used to create a new Node.js project with npm. This command initializes a new project by creating a package.json file, which acts as a central hub for managing your project's dependencies, scripts, and metadata.

How to use npm init

1. Navigate to the desired directory: Open your terminal or command prompt and navigate to the location where you want to create your new project.

2. Run npm init: Execute the command npm init in your terminal. You will be prompted for various details about your project, such as the project name, version, description, and author.

3. Answer the prompts: Answer each prompt according to your project's specifications. If you're unsure about an option, you can simply press enter to use the default value.

4. Create the package.json file: Once you've provided all the necessary details, npm will create a package.json file in your project directory. This file contains all the information about your project.

Examples

• npm init -y creates a package.json file with default values without asking for input.
• npm init -f forces the creation of a package.json file even if one already exists.

Practical Insights

• npm init is a crucial step in any Node.js project. It ensures that your project is properly structured and managed.
• The package.json file is essential for installing and managing dependencies, defining scripts, and sharing your project with others.