Skip to main content

removing a dependency from node project

To remove a dependency from a Node.js project, the npm uninstall command is utilized. This command effectively removes the package from both the node_modules directory and the package.json file, ensuring a complete removal.
Steps to remove a dependency:
  • Identify the package name:
    Locate the exact name of the package you wish to remove within your project's package.json file under the dependencies or devDependencies sections.
  • Execute the uninstall command:
    Open your terminal or command prompt and navigate to the root directory of your Node.js project. Then, run the npm uninstall command followed by the package name:
Code

    npm uninstall <package_name>
  • For production dependencies: Use the command as shown above.
  • For development dependencies: If the package is a development dependency (listed under devDependencies in package.json), use the -D or --save-dev flag:
Code

        npm uninstall -D <package_name>
        # or
        npm uninstall --save-dev <package_name>
  • For global packages: If the package was installed globally, use the -g flag:
Code

        npm uninstall -g <package_name>
You can also uninstall multiple packages at once by listing them separated by spaces:
Code

    npm uninstall <package1> <package2>
Explanation:
  • Running npm uninstall removes the package's files from your node_modules directory.
  • Simultaneously, it updates your package.json file by removing the entry for the uninstalled package from either the dependencies or devDependencies list, depending on how it was originally installed. This prevents the package from being reinstalled during future npm install operations
Back to top