What is npm?

npm is a package manager for the JavaScript ecosystem that comes installed with Node.js by default. It is used to install, update, remove, and publish the libraries and tools used in projects.

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#What npm does

1. Installs dependencies Lets you pull in third-party packages from a remote repository (the npm registry).
2. Manages package versions Pins versions in package.json and package-lock.json so the project builds the same way for everyone.
3. Runs project scripts Commands like npm run build, npm run start, and so on.
4. Publishes your own packages Lets you publish your own libraries to the npm repository.

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#Where it is used

npm is used in:

• frontend projects (React, Vue, Webpack, Vite, etc.),
• server-side Node.js projects,
• CLI tools.

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In short: npm is a package management system that lets you install and use libraries, automate processes, and work with dependencies in JavaScript projects.