npm vs pnpm
Side-by-side comparison of npm and pnpm
- Weekly Downloads
- 9.8M
- Stars
- 9.5K
- Gzip Size
- —
- License
- Artistic-2.0
- Last Updated
- 2d ago
- Open Issues
- 632
- Forks
- 4.1K
- Unpacked Size
- 9.8 MB
- Dependencies
- —
- Weekly Downloads
- 47.5M
- Stars
- 33.9K
- Gzip Size
- 1.5 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 31m ago
- Open Issues
- 2.1K
- Forks
- 1.3K
- Unpacked Size
- 17.6 MB
- Dependencies
- 1
Download Trends
Verdict
npm is the default package manager for JavaScript and serves as a foundational tool for managing packages in the Node.js ecosystem. Its widespread adoption and extensive features cater well to both small and large projects, making it a safe choice for teams familiar with JavaScript basics.
pnpm offers a more advanced approach, focusing on efficient disk space usage and faster installations. With its unique handling of node_modules, pnpm is particularly beneficial for large-scale projects with numerous dependencies, especially when minimizing installation time and disk space is a priority.
Transitioning from npm to pnpm may require some adjustment, particularly in how dependencies are resolved and stored. While both package managers serve similar purposes, teams should weigh their specific needs and the potential benefits of faster installations against the learning curve associated with pnpm's unique features.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | npm | pnpm |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle Size | Not provided, indicating lack of focus on minimizing initial load. | ✓Very small bundle size, beneficial for performance. |
| Open Issues | ✓Moderate number of open issues reflecting ongoing development. | Higher issue count, which may indicate growing pains with the increasing user base. |
| GitHub Forks | ✓More forks suggest a solid base for experimentation. | Fewer forks, indicating a more specialized tool. |
| GitHub Stars | Established with a respectable number of stars. | ✓Much higher star count, showing strong community endorsement. |
| Last Updated | Recently updated, but still trailing pnpm. | ✓More frequent updates imply active maintenance. |
| Unpacked Size | ✓Smaller size makes installation quicker. | Larger size may be a consideration in resource-limited environments. |
| Weekly Downloads | High usage, indicating solid community support. | ✓Significantly higher downloads, reflecting growing popularity. |
| Overall Positioning | Foundational package manager with widespread support. | ✓Fast and efficient alternative focused on disk space. |