Do I commit the package-lock.json file created by npm 5?

Do I commit the package-lock.json file created by npm 5? 😕

Hey there, tech-savvy folks! 🖐️

So, npm 5 was recently released 🚀, bringing some exciting new features, including deterministic installs. With this upgrade, npm will generate a file called package-lock.json. But you might be wondering, should I commit this file to my source control? Let's dive into it! 💪

Understanding the purpose of package-lock.json 📝

Before deciding whether to commit the package-lock.json file or not, let's understand its purpose. The package-lock.json file is automatically created by npm to ensure consistent and deterministic installations of packages. It stores the exact versions of all the dependencies installed in your project, including nested dependencies.

Should I commit the package-lock.json file? 🤔

In general, the recommended practice is to commit the package-lock.json file to your source control. Here's why:

1. Dependency consistency: By committing package-lock.json, you ensure that all collaborators working on the project have the exact same dependency versions installed. This eliminates any potential compatibility issues across different machines.

2. Reproducible builds: When you commit package-lock.json, you enable reproducible builds. It means that no matter when or where you run npm install, your dependencies will be installed exactly as they were when you last committed package-lock.json. This is crucial for ensuring consistent builds and avoiding unexpected changes in your project.

3. Faster installation: With package-lock.json committed, npm skips the dependency resolution step when running npm install on a fresh clone of your project. It uses the lockfile to directly fetch the exact versions mentioned in package-lock.json, resulting in faster installation times.

Exceptions to the rule 🚫

Though committing package-lock.json is generally recommended, there might be some exceptional cases where you should avoid it:

1. Projects intended for libraries or packages: If you're developing a library or a package meant to be used by other projects, it's better to omit package-lock.json. Consumers of your library might have different requirements and resolving the dependencies based on their environment is usually preferable.

2. Modified lockfile: If you frequently make changes to the package-lock.json file manually, it's best not to commit it. Modifying the lockfile could cause confusion and conflicts among collaborators. In such cases, documenting the changes and sharing them with your team should be a better approach.

Final thoughts and call-to-action 📣

In most scenarios, committing the package-lock.json file brings numerous benefits, ensuring dependency consistency, reproducible builds, and faster installations. However, for libraries or when making frequent manual changes to the lockfile, omitting it may be wise.

Now that you understand the importance of package-lock.json, next time you encounter it, don't hesitate to commit it to your source control and enjoy the hassle-free benefits it brings!

Tell us your experiences and thoughts on package-lock.json. Do you commit it or prefer to keep it out of your source control? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's start the conversation! 💬

Happy coding! 🎉