What is difference between npx and npm?

Let me explain the key differences between npx and npm:

1. npm (Node Package Manager)

• Primary package management tool for Node.js
• Used to install and manage packages/dependencies
• Installs packages globally or locally in your project
• Common uses:

npm install package-name    # Install locally
npm install -g package-name # Install globally
npm run script-name        # Run scripts defined in package.json

2. npx (Node Package Execute)

• Tool for executing Node.js packages
• Comes bundled with npm since version 5.2+
• Can execute packages without installing them permanently
• Great for one-time commands or trying out packages
• Common uses:

npx create-react-app my-app  # Run create-react-app without global installation
npx prettier --write .       # Run prettier without installing it

Key Advantages of npx:

• Executes packages without permanent installation
• Always uses the latest version of a package
• Prevents global package cluttering
• Perfect for one-off commands
  Example Scenario:

1. Using npm:

npm install -g create-react-app
create-react-app my-app

2. Using npx (preferred):

npx create-react-app my-app

The npx approach is cleaner as it:

• Doesn’t install create-react-app globally
• Always uses the latest version
• Removes the package after execution
  Best Practices:
• Use npm for installing project dependencies and running project scripts
• Use npx for executing one-off commands or trying out packages without installation