npm-it

View documentation for the original command

$ tldr npm install-test

Since "npm-it" is typically a user-defined alias or script, its exact syntax can vary. However, it commonly accepts the same options and arguments as the underlying `npm install` command it invokes.
npm-it [npm-install-options]

-g, --global
    Installs the package globally.

--save-dev, -D
    Installs the package as a devDependency.

--save-peer, -P
    Installs the package as a peerDependency.

--save-optional, -O
    Installs the package as an optionalDependency.

--no-save
    Prevents saving the installed package to dependencies.

--prefix <path>
    Install the specified packages in a custom location.

--force
    Forces `npm install` to fetch remote resources even if a local copy exists, potentially overwriting existing files.

--dry-run
    Simulates the installation without actually installing anything.

--legacy-peer-deps
    Allows older peer dependency resolutions, useful for compatibility.

The term "npm-it" typically refers to a user-defined shell alias or script, rather than a standalone standard command. It originated from the need for a quicker, often cleaner, way to install Node.js packages using `npm install`. Developers frequently define `npm-it` to encapsulate common installation workflows. The most prevalent implementation involves removing the existing `node_modules` directory and `package-lock.json` (or `npm-shrinkwrap.json`) before running `npm install`. This ensures a fresh installation, resolving potential dependency conflicts or cache issues. Other simpler definitions might just be a direct alias for `npm install`. Its purpose is to streamline the development process by providing a memorable and convenient command for package management, avoiding repetitive typing or complex command sequences.

Not a Standard Command: "npm-it" is not part of the official npm CLI or a standard Linux distribution. Its availability and behavior depend entirely on how a user or system administrator has defined it.
Variable Behavior: The exact actions performed by `npm-it` can differ significantly between users. One user might define it for a clean install (`rm -rf node_modules && npm install`), while another might use it as a simple alias for `npm install`.
Potential for Data Loss: If defined to remove `node_modules` and `package-lock.json`, misuse or misunderstanding could lead to unintended deletion of files, though generally these can be recreated.
Debugging Challenges: Because it's a wrapper, debugging issues might require understanding the underlying `npm install` command and the specific script/alias definition.

While its definition varies, common ways users define `npm-it` include:
Clean Install: `alias npm-it='rm -rf node_modules && rm -f package-lock.json && npm install'`
This ensures all dependencies are re-fetched and re-linked from scratch.
Simple Install: `alias npm-it='npm install'`
A direct shortcut, often used when `ni` (npm install) is already taken or for muscle memory.
Force Install: `alias npm-it='npm install --force'`
Forcing installations, potentially ignoring warnings and existing files.
Users typically add these aliases to their shell configuration files (e.g., `~/.bashrc`, `~/.zshrc`, `~/.config/fish/config.fish`).

The "npm-it" pattern emerged organically within the Node.js development community as developers sought to optimize their workflow. As `node_modules` directories grew larger and `npm install` sometimes left residual issues or cache problems, the need for a "clean slate" installation became common. Instead of repeatedly typing `rm -rf node_modules && npm install`, users began creating aliases or simple shell scripts to encapsulate this logic under a memorable name like "npm-it" or "ni". This practice became widespread, particularly among developers using `bash` or `zsh`, highlighting a community-driven approach to improving developer ergonomics within the npm ecosystem.

npm(1), npm-install(1), alias(1), rm(1)