CLI vs Library Packages

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Questions and Answers

A development team is deciding whether to install a new package as a dependency or a dev dependency. Which of the following scenarios BEST justifies installing the package as a dev dependency?

  • The package provides core functionalities required for the application to run in production.
  • The package is a CLI tool used for linting and formatting code during development. (correct)
  • The package offers a collection of pre-built UI components that are used throughout the application.
  • The package handles database connections and data migrations in the production environment.

A developer wants to use a CLI tool named 'example-cli' that is installed locally within their project's node_modules/.bin directory. Which of the following approaches is the MOST recommended way to execute this CLI tool?

  • Define a script in `package.json` that points to the CLI tool and then run it using `npm run <script-name>`.
  • Install the package globally using `npm install -g example-cli` and then run it directly from the terminal.
  • Directly execute the CLI tool by specifying its full path within the `node_modules/.bin` directory in the terminal.
  • Use `npx example-cli` to execute the CLI tool without requiring global installation or defining a script. (correct)

A software engineer is tasked with incorporating Axios into a project. What steps should they take to properly include and utilize Axios within their application?

  • Install Axios using `npm install axios`, then execute it using `npx axios` to perform HTTP requests from the terminal.
  • Install Axios globally using `npm install -g axios`, then import it directly into the application code.
  • Install Axios as a dev dependency using `npm install --save-dev axios`, then import it into components that require HTTP requests.
  • Install Axios locally using `npm install axios`, import it into the application's JavaScript files and use it to make HTTP requests. (correct)

A developer encounters an error when trying to run a globally installed CLI tool on a Windows machine using PowerShell. Which of the following actions is MOST likely to resolve the issue?

<p>Run the command <code>Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser</code> in PowerShell to allow the execution of global commands. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A development team is working on a new React project and wants to use Vite. They have already installed Vite as a dev dependency. Which command would they typically use to start the Vite development server?

<p><code>npx vite</code> (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A software developer is managing a project that utilizes both library packages and CLI tools. How should the developer manage these packages to ensure optimal performance and deployment practices?

<p>Install library packages as regular dependencies and CLI tools as dev dependencies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario BEST illustrates the use case for a 'hybrid package'?

<p>A package that provides both a library for import into code and a CLI tool for terminal use. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A developer wants to make a CLI tool available system-wide for all projects on their machine without using npx. Which of the following steps should the developer take?

<p>Install the CLI tool globally using the <code>-g</code> flag with npm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the node_modules/.bin directory created when installing certain packages using npm?

<p>It contains executable files for CLI tools that are part of locally installed packages. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A developer is trying to use a locally installed CLI tool but receives an error stating that the command is not recognized. Assuming the package is correctly installed, what is the MOST likely reason for this issue?

<p>The system's PATH environment variable does not include the <code>node_modules/.bin</code> directory of the project. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Library Packages

Packages designed to be imported and used within your code, installed via npm install.

CLI Packages

Packages used directly from the terminal to perform tasks such as project creation or management.

node_modules/.bin

A folder created when installing a CLI package, containing executable files.

Hybrid Package

A package that has both library and CLI functionalities, usable in code and from the terminal.

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Dev Dependencies

Packages only needed during development, specified with npm install --save-dev.

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Local Packages

Packages installed locally within a project's node_modules folder.

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Global Packages

Packages installed system-wide, accessible from any project.

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NPX Role

Used to execute packages, especially CLI packages, without requiring global installation.

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Study Notes

CLI vs. Library Packages

  • CLI and library packages are distinct types of packages used in software development.
  • Understanding the difference is crucial before learning about NPX.

Library Packages

  • Library packages are installed using npm install (e.g., npm i axios).
  • They create a node_modules folder where the package and its dependencies are stored.
  • A package.json file is created or updated to include the installed package as a dependency.
  • Library packages are designed to be imported and used within your code.
  • Example: Axios can be imported and used in an app.js file to make HTTP requests.

CLI Packages

  • CLI (Command Line Interface) packages are typically used directly from the terminal.
  • Example: Vite is a popular CLI package used to create and manage front-end applications, especially with React.
  • Installing a CLI package may create a node_modules/.bin folder, containing executable files.
  • The .bin folder is created when installing a CLI package.

Using CLI Packages

  • CLI packages can be executed using npx <package-name> (e.g., npx vite).
  • npx is crucial for running CLI packages that are not globally installed.
  • Alternatively, you can define a script in package.json to run the CLI package.
    • Example: "scripts": { "abc": "vite" } allows running Vite with npm run abc.
  • CLI packages are meant for development-time assistance, not directly included in your application code.
  • Example: Vite starts a development server and helps in building the application during development.

Hybrid Packages

  • A package can have both library and CLI functionalities.
  • It can be imported into your code and used from the terminal.
  • Some CLI packages may not export anything for import in code.

Dev Dependencies vs. Dependencies

  • CLI packages are often installed as dev dependencies using npm install --save-dev or npm i -D.
  • Dev dependencies are only used during development and not included in the final production code.
  • Library packages are usually installed as regular dependencies because they are essential for the application to run.

Local vs. Global Packages

  • Local packages are installed within the node_modules folder of a specific project.
  • Global packages are installed in a system-wide directory, making them accessible from any project.
  • Install globally using npm install -g <package-name> (e.g., npm i -g vite).
  • Global packages can be run directly from the terminal without using npx.

Global Package Execution

  • Global packages are accessible system-wide once installed.
  • In PowerShell, you may need to adjust the execution policy to run global packages.
  • Use the command Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser to allow the execution of global commands.

NPX Role

  • NPX is used to execute packages, especially CLI packages, without requiring global installation.
  • NPX helps in running the package either from the local project or by downloading it temporarily if not found locally.

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