The npm install --production command is used to install only the dependencies listed under the dependencies section in the package.json file, excluding the devDependencies. This is typically used in production environments where you want to avoid installing unnecessary development tools and libraries.
Here is a brief explanation of when and why you might use npm install --production:
Production Deployment: When deploying an application to a production environment, you often want to minimize the size of the deployment package and reduce the number of installed packages to only those necessary for running the application. This helps in improving performance and security.
Server Environments: In server environments where the application is running, you generally do not need development tools like testing frameworks, linters, or build tools. Using
npm install --productionensures that only the essential packages are installed.Docker Images: When building Docker images for your application, using
npm install --productioncan help create smaller and more efficient images by excluding development dependencies.
Example usage:
1 | npm install --production |
This command will read the package.json file and install only the packages listed under dependencies, ignoring those under devDependencies.