What is the package.json and package-lock.json File For

In Node.js projects, two files are created to manage dependencies: package.json and package-lock.json. Both help manage and keep your project consistent.

What is package.json?

The package.json file is the main file of a Node.js project.

  • It describes the project: name, version, description.
  • Lists the packages the project depends on.
  • Defines scripts to run tasks such as start or test.

What is package-lock.json?

The package-lock.json file is created automatically in a Node.js project

  • It locks the exact version of every installed package
  • Makes sure everyone on the team installs the same setup.
  • Helps avoid bugs from version differences.

What is the Difference?

  • package.json: The main project file that stores project info, lists dependencies, and defines scripts.
  • package-lock.json: A record of the exact versions of all installed packages and their dependencies.

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