Creating NPM Packages with Custom CLI
What is a Package Manager
A Package Manager is a tool for managing
dependencies or packages required by an application or project. This tool takes
these packages from repositories, both local and public, and installs them on
the system.
In programming, we
rarely start a project from scratch. Usually, we integrate several existing
libraries or packages that are created by others. This can happen because we
may not be able to create the library, or we just want to focus on product
development. In the end, we save time by utilizing libraries that have been
shared by others. Using what has been created by others can speed up the
development process and avoid the effort of "reinventing something that
already exists."
With a package
manager, application development becomes easier and more efficient, because
developers do not need to download and install packages manually. This package
contains reusable code and provides various features and functionality to
manage our project dependencies such as libraries, frameworks, and utilities.
Steps to Create an NPM Package
To create an NPM
package, follow these steps.
1. Install Node.js
Visit the official Node.js
website and download the LTS version
or the latest version according to your needs.
Once downloaded,
follow the installation instructions that suit your operating system (Windows,
macOS, or Linux).
2. Initialize the
Project
Create a project
directory for your package manager:
Initialize the
project using npm init:
Then update the
package.json file
3. Install
Commander.js for CLI
Package managers
like NPM use the Command Line Interface
(CLI). You can use the Commander library for custom CLI.
Install Commander:
4. Create a program
file
Create a src folder
and a JavaScript file in it, for example index.js:
Add code to the index.js file to create a simple
command.
5. Test the npm
package that has been created
Create a local
package link
In the project where
the package will be installed, add the following command
Check the package
after installation
If it has been
successfully installed, you can start using the package that has been prepared
command 1
Output:
command 2
Output:
6. Publish
First, you must have
an NPM account to publish your npm package.
Enter the following
command
Congratulations,
your NPM
Package has been successfully published and you can install it via NPM.
Congratulations, your NPM Package has been
successfully published and you can install it via NPM.
Conclusion
By following the steps above, you can create your package manager that works like NPM, from Node.js installation to implementing features such as dependency management, caching, and version management. This opens up great opportunities for you to customize and explore various NPM packages according to your project needs. In addition, with this capability, you can create a package ecosystem that suits project specifications and deepen your understanding of how package managers work.
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Source:
How to Create and Publish an NPM Package — a Step-by-Step
Guide