Choosing PNPM vs NPM | Comparing Package Managers

We’re constantly evaluating tools to optimize our software development process at IOFLOOD. When going over package management, we compared the differences between PNPM and NPM. To aid our server hosting customers that may have similar questions, we’ve outlined the key differences and considerations that we observed between PNPM and NPM.

This guide compares PNPM and NPM, two prominent package managers, to help you make an informed decision. Both have their unique strengths and cater to different project needs. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which package manager aligns best with your project goals, ensuring a smoother development process and more efficient project management.

Let’s unravel the complexities of package management in Node.js and choose the right tool, whether it’s PNPM or NPM!

TL;DR: Which Should I Choose, PNPM or NPM?

PNPM offers better performance and disk space efficiency through its unique node_modules structure, making it ideal for large projects. NPM, being the default package manager for Node.js, provides broad compatibility and ease of use. For a quick start, PNPM might be the way to go for performance-critical projects, while NPM suits most general needs.

Here’s a quick example to illustrate the disk space efficiency of PNPM:

# Installing a package using NPM
npm install lodash

# Installing the same package using PNPM
pnpm install lodash

# Output:
# NPM might use more disk space because it duplicates dependencies across projects.
# PNPM, on the other hand, hard links files from a single content-addressable storage, significantly reducing disk space usage.

In this example, both commands install the lodash package, a popular utility library. However, the key difference lies in how PNPM manages dependencies. Unlike NPM, which may duplicate dependencies, PNPM’s approach to managing node_modules can lead to substantial disk space savings, especially in larger projects with many dependencies.

Curious about the specifics and how each package manager handles dependencies differently? Keep reading for a deeper dive into PNPM and NPM, their features, and how to make the best choice for your project.

Getting Started with PNPM and NPM

When embarking on a new JavaScript project, one of the first decisions you’ll make is selecting a package manager. Both PNPM and NPM serve as essential tools for managing packages, but they operate slightly differently. Let’s break down the basics of using each.

Installing Packages with NPM

NPM, or Node Package Manager, is the default package manager for Node.js. Installing a package is straightforward:

npm install express

# Output:
# + [email protected]
# added 50 packages in 2s

This command installs the latest version of express, a fast, unopinionated, minimalist web framework for Node.js. The output indicates the version installed and the number of packages added, showcasing NPM’s ease of use.

Installing Packages with PNPM

PNPM stands for Performant NPM. It aims to improve upon NPM in terms of performance and efficiency. Here’s how you install a package using PNPM:

pnpm add express

# Output:
# + [email protected]
# Progress: resolved 1, reused 0, downloaded 0, added 1, done

The command pnpm add express also installs the express framework, but you might notice the output is slightly different. It provides more detailed progress information, which can be particularly useful for larger installs. This reflects PNPM’s focus on performance and efficiency.

Initializing New Projects

NPM:

To start a new project with NPM, you would use:

npm init -y

# Output:
# Wrote to /path/to/your/project/package.json:
# {
#   "name": "your-project",
#   "version": "1.0.0",
#   ...
# }

This command creates a package.json file in your project directory, filling it with default values.

PNPM:

For PNPM, the process is similar:

pnpm init -y

# Output:
# Wrote to /path/to/your/project/package.json:
# {
#   "name": "your-project",
#   "version": "1.0.0",
#   ...
# }

Both commands streamline the process of setting up a new project, making it easy to get started with either package manager.

Managing Dependencies

Managing dependencies is a core function of any package manager. Here’s how you can add a dependency to your project using NPM and PNPM:

NPM:

npm install lodash --save

# Output:
# + [email protected]
# added 1 package in 1s

PNPM:

pnpm add lodash

# Output:
# + [email protected]
# Progress: resolved 1, reused 0, downloaded 0, added 1, done

Both commands add lodash, a modern JavaScript utility library delivering modularity, performance, & extras, to your project. However, the output from PNPM again provides more detailed progress information, aligning with its focus on efficiency and performance.

By understanding these basic commands and workflows, you’re well on your way to mastering package management for your JavaScript projects. Whether you choose PNPM or NPM depends on your specific project needs and preferences.

Advanced Features: PNPM vs NPM

As your JavaScript projects grow in complexity, you’ll likely encounter scenarios that require more than just basic package management. Both PNPM and NPM offer advanced features that cater to these needs, but their approaches and efficiencies can differ significantly. Let’s explore some of these advanced capabilities to see how PNPM and NPM stack up.

Handling Monorepos with PNPM

Monorepos, or monolithic repositories, allow you to manage multiple packages within a single repository. This can simplify dependency management and streamline workflows. PNPM is particularly well-suited for monorepos due to its efficient handling of node_modules.

pnpm -r install

# Output:
# Projects: 4
# Packages: Installed 200 packages in 10s

This command demonstrates PNPM’s recursive install feature (-r), which installs dependencies for all packages in a monorepo. The output shows the efficiency of PNPM in handling multiple projects simultaneously, significantly reducing installation time compared to handling each project individually.

Custom Registries and NPM

NPM allows for the use of custom registries, which can be essential for private packages or when you need to use a mirror of the npm registry for faster access or reliability.

npm config set registry https://your-custom-registry.com

# Output:
# 'registry' = 'https://your-custom-registry.com'

By setting a custom registry, you can tailor NPM to fit your project’s specific needs, whether it’s for privacy, speed, or reliability. This flexibility is one of NPM’s strong suits.

Optimizing Dependency Resolution

Dependency resolution can significantly impact installation time and disk space. PNPM optimizes this process through its unique approach to managing node_modules, which can lead to better performance.

pnpm install

# Output:
# Packages: Installed 50 packages in 2s, reused 150

This example highlights PNPM’s efficiency, where it reuses packages already installed on the system to save time and disk space. NPM, while offering improvements in recent versions, traditionally handles dependency resolution in a manner that can result in duplicated packages across projects.

Performance Metrics Comparison

When comparing performance metrics, it’s clear that PNPM often outperforms NPM in terms of both installation time and disk usage. This is largely due to PNPM’s symlinking strategy, which avoids duplication of packages.

# Example metrics
# PNPM: Installed 200 packages in 10s
# NPM: Installed 200 packages in 20s

While the above code block is a simplified example, real-world usage typically shows a noticeable difference in performance between the two package managers, especially in larger projects with many dependencies.

In summary, while both PNPM and NPM provide robust tools for managing packages, PNPM’s advanced features like efficient monorepo handling and optimized dependency resolution make it a compelling choice for performance-critical projects. However, NPM’s flexibility with custom registries and broad compatibility ensures it remains a strong contender, particularly for projects with specific registry needs or those deeply integrated into the NPM ecosystem.

Exploring Beyond PNPM and NPM

While PNPM and NPM are two of the most popular package managers in the JavaScript ecosystem, they’re not the only options available. For developers seeking alternative approaches, Yarn emerges as a strong contender, offering unique features that differentiate it from PNPM and NPM. Understanding the broader ecosystem of package managers can help you make an informed decision based on your project’s specific needs.

Yarn: A Viable Alternative

Yarn was introduced by Facebook as an alternative to NPM, aiming to improve upon NPM’s performance and reliability. It introduced features like deterministic package installation and a lockfile format for more reliable dependency management.

yarn add lodash

# Output:
# success Saved 1 new dependency.
# info Direct dependencies
# └─ [email protected]
# info All dependencies
# └─ [email protected]

This command adds the lodash package to your project using Yarn. The output is clear and informative, showing the direct and all dependencies added. Yarn’s deterministic approach ensures that an install that worked on one system will work exactly the same way on another system, a significant advantage for team projects and CI/CD pipelines.

Feature Comparison

When comparing Yarn to PNPM and NPM, several features stand out. Yarn’s workspaces are similar to PNPM’s support for monorepos, enabling multiple projects to share the same node_modules directory. This can lead to significant disk space savings, much like PNPM’s approach. However, Yarn’s strong focus on performance and deterministic installs has made it a favorite among many developers, especially in environments where consistency across installations is critical.

Choosing the Right Tool

The choice between PNPM, NPM, and Yarn often comes down to specific project requirements and personal preferences. PNPM is lauded for its efficiency and disk space savings, making it ideal for large projects. NPM, with its vast registry and ease of use, is a great starting point for many developers. Yarn, on the other hand, offers a balance between performance and reliability, with features like deterministic installs and workspaces that appeal to a wide range of projects.

In the end, understanding the strengths and limitations of each package manager can guide you to the right choice for your project. Whether you prioritize performance, reliability, or compatibility, the JavaScript ecosystem provides a tool that meets your needs.

Navigating PNPM and NPM Pitfalls

Even with the best tools at our disposal, developers can sometimes hit roadblocks. Understanding common issues and how to troubleshoot them can save you hours of frustration. Here, we’ll explore some typical challenges encountered with PNPM and NPM and offer solutions to ensure your development workflow remains smooth.

PNPM: Handling Peer Dependencies

One of the challenges with PNPM is its strict handling of peer dependencies, which can lead to issues if not managed correctly.

pnpm install
# Output:
# ERROR: Some peer dependencies are incorrectly installed.

This error occurs when required peer dependencies are not met. Unlike NPM, PNPM does not automatically install peer dependencies to avoid version conflicts. To resolve this, you need to manually install the missing peer dependencies as specified in the error message. This approach, while initially more cumbersome, ensures a cleaner and more predictable dependency tree.

NPM: Resolving Version Conflicts

NPM users might encounter version conflicts, especially when working on large projects with many dependencies.

npm ls
# Output:
# ├─┬ [email protected]
# │ └── [email protected] invalid

This output from npm ls shows that a dependency has an invalid version, indicating a conflict. To resolve this, you can install a compatible version of the conflicting dependency directly or update the package causing the conflict to a version that relies on a compatible dependency version.

Best Practices for Smooth Development

1. Read the Docs: Both PNPM and NPM have extensive documentation. Familiarize yourself with their commands and features to avoid common pitfalls.

2. Use Version Control: Always commit your package.json and lock files (pnpm-lock.yaml for PNPM, package-lock.json for NPM) to version control. This ensures that your project’s dependencies are consistent across environments.

3. Stay Updated: Keeping your package manager and dependencies up to date can help avoid many issues. However, do this cautiously and test updates in a development environment before pushing to production.

4. Seek Community Help: Both tools have active communities. If you encounter an issue, chances are someone else has faced it too. Look for solutions in community forums or ask for help.

By understanding these common issues and how to address them, you can mitigate potential roadblocks in your development process, ensuring a more efficient and less stressful project lifecycle.

Exploring JS Package Management

The landscape of JavaScript package management has evolved significantly over the years, transforming the way developers handle libraries and dependencies in their projects. From manually including scripts to the advent of package managers, this journey reflects a continuous effort to optimize development workflows.

The Role of Package Managers

Package managers, at their core, streamline the process of including external libraries in a project. They handle downloading, installing, and updating packages, along with managing the complex web of dependencies each project might have. This automation not only saves time but also ensures consistency and reliability across development environments.

PNPM vs NPM: Technical Foundations

PNPM and NPM, while serving the same purpose, are built on different technical foundations that lead to distinct behaviors and advantages.

NPM:

NPM, or Node Package Manager, was introduced as the default package manager for Node.js. It creates a node_modules folder in your project directory, where it installs the dependencies. Over time, NPM has introduced features like package-lock.json to lock dependency versions and ensure consistent installs.

npm install react

# Output:
# + [email protected]
# added 5 packages in 3s

This command installs the React library, showcasing NPM’s ease of use. The output indicates the version installed and the number of packages added, highlighting the straightforward nature of dependency management with NPM.

PNPM:

PNPM stands for Performant Node Package Manager. It differentiates itself with a unique approach to storing dependencies. Instead of duplicating packages across projects, PNPM maintains a single version of a package in a global store and uses hard links/symlinks to include them in your project. This method significantly reduces disk space usage and improves installation speed.

pnpm add react

# Output:
# Resolving: total 1, reused 1, downloaded 0, added 1

By adding the React library using PNPM, you can see a different approach in the output. It emphasizes the efficiency of PNPM’s dependency resolution, indicating a leaner and more performant management of packages.

The Importance of These Differences

Understanding the technical foundations and differences between PNPM and NPM is crucial for developers. It informs the choice of package manager based on specific project needs—whether prioritizing disk space efficiency and performance with PNPM or opting for the broad compatibility and ease of use provided by NPM. This knowledge empowers developers to make informed decisions, leading to more efficient development workflows and successful project outcomes.

Usage of Package Managers

The choice between PNPM and NPM isn’t just about managing dependencies; it’s about how this choice influences the entire project architecture, including build tools and CI/CD practices. Understanding these implications can help you make more informed decisions that align with your project’s long-term goals.

Integrating with Build Tools

Both PNPM and NPM can be integrated with popular build tools like Webpack and Rollup. However, the efficiency of PNPM in handling node_modules can lead to faster build times, a critical factor in large projects.

pnpm run build

# Output:
# Project successfully built in 10 seconds

This command demonstrates a project being built using PNPM. The output highlights the speed advantage that PNPM can bring to the build process, potentially speeding up development and deployment cycles.

CI/CD Considerations

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices benefit significantly from consistent and reliable builds. NPM’s package-lock.json ensures that dependencies remain consistent across installations, a crucial factor for CI/CD pipelines.

npm ci

# Output:
# Installed in 5 minutes, consistent build ensured

The npm ci command is specially designed for CI/CD environments, providing faster, more reliable installations by referring to package-lock.json. This ensures that the build environment is consistent every time, reducing the chances of “it works on my machine” issues.

Further Resources for Package Management Mastery

To deepen your understanding of PNPM and NPM, and to explore their capabilities further, here are three recommended resources:

1. The PNPM GitHub Repository – Explore the source code, documentation, and latest updates directly from the developers of PNPM.

2. The NPM Blog – Stay updated with the latest news, tips, and insights from the team behind NPM.

3. Node.js Package Manager Guide – A comprehensive guide covering the fundamentals of package management in Node.js, suitable for both beginners and experienced developers looking to brush up their knowledge.

These resources provide valuable insights into the world of JavaScript package management, offering a blend of technical depth and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of PNPM and NPM. By leveraging these resources, you can enhance your skills, streamline your development process, and ensure the success of your projects.

Recap: PNPM vs NPM Comparison

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve navigated the intricate world of JavaScript package management, focusing on the two heavyweight contenders: PNPM and NPM. These tools, while serving the same fundamental purpose, offer unique approaches and benefits that cater to different project needs and developer preferences.

We began with the basics, exploring how to install packages, initialize new projects, and manage dependencies with both PNPM and NPM. We then delved into more advanced features, such as handling monorepos, custom registries, and optimizing dependency resolution, showcasing the strengths of each package manager in different scenarios.

Our journey also took us beyond the PNPM and NPM comparison, introducing Yarn as an alternative package manager. This exploration helped us understand the broader ecosystem and how each tool fits into various development workflows.

Choosing the right package manager is crucial for the efficiency and success of your JavaScript projects. PNPM, with its focus on performance and disk space efficiency, is ideal for large projects and monorepos. NPM, being the default package manager for Node.js, offers broad compatibility and ease of use, making it a safe choice for most projects.

Whether you’re embarking on a new JavaScript project or looking to optimize your current development workflow, understanding the nuances between PNPM and NPM can lead to more informed decisions. By considering your project’s specific needs and preferences, you can select a package manager that best supports your goals, ensuring a smoother development process and successful project outcomes. Happy coding!