npm-edit

opens an installed package's directory in the default editor

TLDR

Edit installed package

$ npm edit [package]

Edit with specific editor

$ EDITOR=vim npm edit [package]

npm edit opens an installed package's directory in the default editor. This allows direct modification of package code for debugging or local patches.
The editor is determined by the EDITOR environment variable.

PARAMETERS

pkg

Package name to edit.

EXAMPLE

$ # Edit lodash package
npm edit lodash
# Opens in $EDITOR at node_modules/lodash

# Use specific editor
EDITOR=code npm edit express

USE CASES

$ - Debug package issues
- Apply local patches
- Inspect package internals
- Test modifications

ALTERNATIVES

$ # Use patch-package for persistent changes
npx patch-package package-name

# Or fork the package
git clone https://github.com/user/package

CAVEATS

Changes lost on npm install/update. Use patch-package for persistent patches. Editing in node_modules is generally discouraged.

HISTORY

npm edit has been part of npm since early versions, providing quick access to edit installed dependencies.