pnpm vs npm vs yarn

If you’re a JavaScript developer, you’re likely familiar with npm and yarn, the two most popular package managers in the JavaScript ecosystem. However, there’s a relatively new player in the game: pnpm. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between pnpm, npm, and yarn, and help you decide which one is right for your project.

What are npm, yarn, and pnpm?

Before we dive into the differences between these three package managers, let’s define what they are:

  • npm: npm is the default package manager for Node.js and the JavaScript ecosystem. It’s been around since 2010 and is used by millions of developers worldwide.

  • yarn: yarn is a package manager developed by Facebook in 2016 as an alternative to npm. It was designed to be faster and more reliable than npm, and it has gained a lot of popularity in recent years.

  • pnpm: pnpm is a relatively new package manager that was first released in 2016. Like yarn, it was designed to be faster and more efficient than npm, but it takes a different approach to package management.

How do they differ?

The main difference between these three package managers is how they handle dependencies. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

npm

npm installs packages in a flat directory structure, meaning that all packages are installed in the same node_modules folder. This can lead to problems with dependency duplication, where multiple versions of the same package are installed in different parts of your project. This can result in larger file sizes and slower installation times.

yarn

yarn uses a different approach to dependency management called a “lockfile”. This means that instead of installing packages in a flat structure, yarn creates a tree structure with a separate folder for each package version. This helps to prevent dependency duplication and ensures that all packages are installed with the correct version.

pnpm

pnpm takes a different approach to dependency management altogether. Instead of installing packages in a flat or tree structure, pnpm uses a “global store”. This means that all packages are installed in a central location, but they are symlinked to each project’s node_modules folder. This approach can greatly reduce disk space usage and installation times, as well as prevent dependency duplication.

Which one should you use?

So, which package manager should you use for your project? Here are some things to consider:

  • Compatibility: If you’re working on a project that already uses npm or yarn, it may be best to stick with the same package manager to ensure compatibility.

  • Speed: If you’re working on a large project with many dependencies, you may want to consider using pnpm or yarn, as they are generally faster than npm.

  • Disk space usage: If you’re concerned about disk space usage, pnpm may be the best option, as it can greatly reduce the amount of disk space used by your project.

  • Community support: npm and yarn have large and active communities, which means that you’re more likely to find help and support if you encounter issues.

Ultimately, the choice between pnpm, npm, and yarn comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project. Each package manager has its own strengths and weaknesses, and you should choose the one that best fits your workflow and development style.

Conclusion

In summary, pnpm, npm, and yarn are all popular package managers in the JavaScript ecosystem, and each one takes a different approach to dependency management. While npm is the default package manager for Node.js, yarn and pnpm offer some advantages in terms of speed, disk space usage, and dependency management. When choosing a package manager, consider your specific needs and the strengths and weaknesses of each option.