How to use pnpm: a simple guide

1 What is pnpm?

pnpm is a package manager for JavaScript. It is like npm or yarn, but it is faster and uses less disk space.

Why?

• pnpm saves only one copy of each version of a package.
• Many projects can share the same files.
• This makes your computer cleaner and faster.

2 Basic Use Cases

2.1 Install pnpm globally

Install pnpm on your system:

1

npm install -g pnpm

Now you can use pnpm in any project.

2.2 Install packages for a project

Go to your project folder and run:

1

pnpm install

This will install all packages from package.json.

2.3 Install one package

Add a package to your project:

1

pnpm add lodash

For development only:

1

pnpm add -D typescript

2.4 Install a package globally

Use a tool everywhere:

1

pnpm add -g serve

3 Other Common Commands

3.1 Remove a package

Delete a package from your project:

1

pnpm remove lodash

3.2 Update packages

Update all packages:

1

pnpm update

Update a specific package:

1

pnpm update lodash

3.3 Install and run tests

Install dependencies and run tests:

1

pnpm install-test

This is useful to check if everything works after install.

3.4 For help

1

pnpm --help

4 Conclusion

pnpm is a smart, fast, and space-saving package manager. With simple commands like install, add, remove, update, and install-test, you can manage your project dependencies easily.