npm-explain

shows why a package is installed

Explain why package installed

$ npm explain [package-name]

Explain with JSON output

$ npm explain [package-name] --json

Explain specific version

$ npm explain [package@version]

npm explain [package]

npm explain shows why a package is installed. Displays dependency chain.
The command traces dependency tree. Shows all paths to the package.

PACKAGE

Package to explain.

--json

JSON output format.

--help

Display help information.

Alias: npm why. Shows all dependency paths. Requires installed package.

npm explain was added to help understand dependency relationships in complex projects.