How to Install Package Globally with npm in Node.js

To install a package globally in Node.js, use the command npm install -g package-name. This makes the package available system-wide, allowing you to run its commands from any terminal.

Syntax

The basic syntax to install a package globally with npm is:

• npm: The Node.js package manager command.
• install: The command to add a package.
• -g: The flag that tells npm to install the package globally.
• package-name: The name of the package you want to install.

bash

npm install -g package-name

Example

This example shows how to install the nodemon package globally. nodemon helps automatically restart your Node.js app when files change.

bash

npm install -g nodemon

Output

+ nodemon@2.0.22
added 63 packages from 38 contributors in 5.2s

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when installing packages globally include:

• Not using -g flag, which installs the package locally instead.
• Permission errors on some systems, which require using sudo on macOS/Linux.
• Confusing global install with local install, which affects where the package commands are available.

Always check if you need admin rights and avoid installing packages globally unless you need command-line tools.

bash

npm install nodemon
# This installs nodemon locally, not globally

sudo npm install -g nodemon
# Use sudo on macOS/Linux if permission denied error occurs

Quick Reference

Summary tips for global npm installs:

• Use npm install -g package-name to install globally.
• Use npm list -g --depth=0 to see globally installed packages.
• Use npm uninstall -g package-name to remove a global package.
• On permission errors, try sudo on macOS/Linux or configure npm permissions properly.

Key Takeaways

Use npm install -g package-name to install packages globally in Node.js.

Global installs make package commands available anywhere in your terminal.

Use sudo on macOS/Linux if you get permission errors during global installs.

Check global packages with npm list -g --depth=0.

Avoid global installs unless you need command-line tools accessible system-wide.