npm vs yarn: Differences and When to Use Each

Command Comparison

Action	npm	yarn
Install all deps	npm install	yarn
Add a package	npm install pkg	yarn add pkg
Run a script	npm run script	yarn script
Remove a package	npm uninstall pkg	yarn remove pkg

Which Should You Use?

• package-lock.json exists in the repo → use npm
• yarn.lock exists in the repo → use yarn
• Starting fresh with no preference → npm is fine

Common Pitfalls

• Don’t mix npm and yarn in the same project
• If working in a team, pick one and stick with it

The GitHub Actions cache setting differs between npm and yarn. See Speed Up GitHub Actions Builds with Node.js npm Cache and use cache: 'npm' or cache: 'yarn' accordingly.

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• Fix npm Cache Problems
• Manage Node.js Versions with nvm
• How to Use package.json Scripts to Automate Tasks

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