What is npm and how does it work?

npm, which stands for Node Package Manager, is the default and most widely used package manager for the JavaScript runtime environment Node.js. Its primary function is to help developers install, share, and manage project dependencies, which are reusable code modules and libraries essential for applications. When you execute an `npm install ` command, it downloads the specified package from the public npm registry, a vast online database of packages, and places it into your project's `node_modules` directory. Furthermore, npm relies heavily on the package.json file to track and define a project's metadata, scripts, and all its required dependencies along with their specific versions. This robust system facilitates easy collaboration, ensures consistent development environments, and empowers developers to efficiently leverage a massive ecosystem of open-source tools by automating dependency management. More details: https://goldminddigital.com/