What are the differences between npm scripts and shell scripts?

What are the differences between npm scripts and shell scripts?

Npm scripts are defined in the package.json file and are used to automate tasks in Node.js projects, while shell scripts are executable scripts written for the shell, used for a variety of tasks in Unix-like operating systems.

Can you give me an example of an npm script?

Sure! An example of an npm script is:

"scripts": { "start": "node server.js" }

This script can be run using the command npm start.

What about shell scripts? How do they look?

A simple shell script might look like this:

#!/bin/bash

echo "Hello, World!"

You can run it by saving it as a .sh file and executing it in the terminal.

When should I use npm scripts instead of shell scripts?

Use npm scripts when working within a Node.js environment to manage project-specific tasks, and shell scripts for broader system-level automation.