npm vs yarn
Side-by-side comparison of npm and yarn
Download Trends
Verdict
npm serves as the de facto package manager for JavaScript, widely used and supported across various platforms due to its long-standing presence in the ecosystem. It appeals to developers who require a comprehensive tool for managing dependencies and package publishing, especially in larger teams or projects needing robust community support.
Yarn, on the other hand, offers faster performance and improved security features, catering to developers who prioritize speed and reliability in their dependency management. It's particularly beneficial for teams that require a straightforward setup and improved inter-package communications where optimization is key.
Migrating from npm to yarn may involve considerations around package-locking behavior and handling of dependency resolutions, which can vary between the two tools. Ultimately, the choice may come down to specific project requirements or developer preference based on past experiences with either tool.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | npm | yarn |
|---|---|---|
| License | Artistic-2.0, generally permissive for use | BSD-2-Clause, also permissive with fewer restrictions |
| Feature Set | ✓Comprehensive feature set as the original package manager | Features focused on speed and performance optimizations |
| Open Issues | ✓632 open issues, indicating active ongoing development | 2.1K open issues, suggesting areas needing improvement |
| GitHub Stars | 9.5K stars indicating solid community interest | ✓41.6K stars reflecting a strong following and innovative features |
| Unpacked Size | Larger at 9.8 MB, may impact initial install time | ✓Smaller at 5.3 MB, allowing quicker installs |
| Learning Curve | Steeper for beginners due to its extensive features | ✓Simpler and more straightforward for new users |
| Weekly Downloads | ✓Leads with 9.5M weekly downloads | Solid support with 7.2M weekly downloads |
| Community Support | ✓Strong community with extensive resources and documentation | Active community but fewer resources compared to npm |
| Version Stability | ✓11.9.0 indicating ongoing updates | 1.22.22 suggesting maturity but less frequent major updates |
| TypeScript Support | ✓Offers good TypeScript support within the ecosystem | Also supports TypeScript but with lesser adoption |
| Overall Performance | Balanced speed with the stability of a mature tool | ✓Designed for speed and reliability enhancements |