What is NPM, and why do we need it?

Mar 29, 2022 · 6 min read

npm

Introduction

At its core, NPM helps distribute JavaScript code to web and mobile apps, making ongoing improvement possible without forcing users to delete and update their apps.

NPM package manager can also perform a long list of tasks. Many IT teams choose NPM manager because it lets them:

Share code with other NPM users all over the world
Create and manage multiple versions of code until you decide which works best
Use organizations to create virtual teams (a huge plus in today’s remote-first work environment)
Send minor updates to keep software at top performance
Roll out improvements without interrupting or damaging user experiences
Participate in a community of users willing to offer advice, tutorials, and shortcuts

Learn more about NPM package manager at the platform’s website.

Clearly, NPM package manager has a lot of features that can make your team’s work more accurate and efficient. You don’t have to stop there, though. Instead, you can combine NPM and Packagecloud for an even more flexible, powerful, and secure strategy. Start your 14 day Packagecloud trial now to experience its benefits!

What Does NPM Package Manager Do?

NPM is a JavaScript package manager. Of course, JS’s primary uses focus on mobile application development and adding interactions to websites. The ability to test and deploy updates continuously helps companies tremendously. Instead of requiring a complete app update, developers can make small changes that improve user experience, add features, and make data more secure.

Security has actually played a growing role in NPM package manager’s mission. A 2022 report shows that NPM is pushing users to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). The top 100-NPM package managers have already adopted 2FA. These developers have more than a million weekly downloads, representing a significant portion of popular apps. NPM started the initiative in December 2021 and hopes to reach all of its users in the near future.

Using NPM Independently or With Node.js

More developers using NPM package manager pair it with Node.js. Node.js takes a “JavaScript everywhere” approach, so it makes sense for NPM users to draw from the two. Node.js also lets scripts run on servers instead of the end user’s browser, which often means improved functionality and faster responses. NPM package manager does not force you to use Node.js, though. DevOps teams can use it independently or in conjunction with other tools. Packagecloud provides a superior package deployment service that does not rely on the destination’s operating system, coding language, or product manufacturer.

Simplify NPM With a User-Friendly Package Manager

Since NPM works with JavaScript, experienced developers will likely recognize most of its commands and features. That’s terrific when you have a team of professionals with diverse experience. Unfortunately, such a highly experienced team might not have a member eager to perform such menial tasks. The duty, therefore, often gets put on a newer member of the team. Some of those people will not know how — or at least lack the confidence — to take advantage of NPM project manager’s features.

Connecting NPM with a more user-friendly package manager helps eliminate that problem. Now, the junior members of your team can gain experience and confidence without feeling overwhelmed by a complex package distribution system. Packagecloud usually meets that need because it integrates with the tools your team members already know. The platform also provides a single dashboard where you and your employees can manage all projects. Simple commands introduce less-experienced IT professionals to the terms and commands they need to know to move their careers forward. Just as importantly, they get to learn these skills without interrupting the continuous rollouts that today’s users expect.

NPM Package Manager and Packagecloud Work Well Together

Packagecloud takes an extremely flexible approach to delivering package updates. As a Packagecloud user, you can start a free NPM Package Manager within seconds. Once you configure Packagecloud, you can:

Quickly add packages to NPM and Yarn repositories
Send your packages via HTTPS so your repository and upgrades never get exposed
Make CI/CD more effective than ever
Get support for your NPM dist-tags

With NPM package manager and Packagecloud working together, you get an even more effective way to maintain and update all of your machines.

Are you looking for an easy, secure, and reliable way to distribute updates throughout your IT ecosystem? Sign up for a free trial with Packagecloud so you can experience an agnostic package delivery product that can update every device in your IT ecosystem, regardless of its operating system or manufacturer.

What Other Package Types Does Packagecloud Support?

If your DevOps team already uses NPM package manager, it makes sense for you to combine it with the power of Packagecloud. Obviously, not every business uses NPM, though. Other package types supported by Packagecloud include:

Packagecloud continues adapting to the needs of users. If you don’t see the option you use, check back soon for updates.

How Packagecloud Can Help

IT and DevOps teams love Packagecloud because it takes a cloud-based approach to distributing package updates to machines throughout your IT ecosystem. Your network probably had diverse assets that required unique coding languages and processes. That situation has only grown now that more people work remotely from their personal computers and other devices. Packagecloud solves these challenges with its agnostic repository and package updates. Additionally, you don’t need to invest in expensive infrastructure to keep every digital asset in your IT ecosystem current. Packagecloud’s infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) lowers costs while providing reliable updates.

Experiencing Packagecloud in action is the best way to understand its benefits. Sign up for a free trial so you can see how much easier package distribution, scaling, and security become when you have a cloud-based platform designed for CI/CD. Once you discover how much easier package management becomes, you can explore Packagecloud plans to find the right option for your organization.