npm vs pnpm: What are the differences?

Npm vs Pnpm: Key Differences

Introduction: Both npm (Node Package Manager) and pnpm (Permissive Node Package Manager) are popular tools used in the JavaScript ecosystem for managing packages and dependencies. Although they serve the same purpose, there are several key differences between them. This article will highlight the main differences between npm and pnpm.

1. Package installation approach: One of the major differences between npm and pnpm is their package installation approach. Npm installs each package in a separate directory, which results in duplicate packages being stored in multiple places. On the other hand, pnpm uses a single global store for packages, allowing for deduplication of packages and saving disk space.

2. Disk space usage: Due to its approach of storing packages in a single global store, pnpm is more efficient in terms of disk space usage compared to npm. Because npm creates separate copies of packages for each project, it can consume a significant amount of disk space, especially when multiple projects have the same dependencies.

3. Network bandwidth usage: Another advantage of pnpm over npm is its efficient usage of network bandwidth. When multiple projects use the same packages and dependencies, pnpm can serve them from its global store, reducing the need to download duplicate packages over the network. This can result in significant savings in terms of bandwidth consumption.

4. Parallel package installation: Pnpm also has the capability to install packages in parallel, allowing for faster installation times. It achieves this by leveraging its ability to share packages across projects from the global store. On the other hand, npm installs packages sequentially, which can be time-consuming, especially for projects with numerous dependencies.

5. Version control integration: Pnpm provides better integration with version control systems like Git. It achieves this by leveraging a package-lock.yaml file, which makes it easier to track and manage changes to packages and dependencies over time. Npm, on the other hand, uses package-lock.json, which can create conflicts and difficulties in managing version control.

6. Compatibility and ecosystem support: Npm has been the standard package manager in the JavaScript ecosystem for a long time, and it has extensive community support and a vast selection of packages available. In contrast, pnpm, as a relatively newer tool, may have some compatibility issues with certain packages or modules due to differences in the way it handles dependencies. Although pnpm strives to be compatible with npm, some edge cases may require additional effort to resolve.

In summary, pnpm offers advantages such as efficient disk space and network bandwidth usage, parallel package installation, better version control integration, while npm enjoys broader compatibility with the existing JavaScript ecosystem and community support. The choice between npm and pnpm depends on the specific requirements and priorities of the project.