What are npm packages and how do they work?

Can you explain what npm packages are?

Sure! npm packages are reusable pieces of code that can be shared and installed using the Node Package Manager (npm). They help developers add functionality to their applications without having to write everything from scratch.

How do I install an npm package?

You can install an npm package by using the command npm install <package-name> in your terminal. This will download the package and add it to your project's dependencies.

What is the difference between a global and local npm package?

A local npm package is installed in the project's node_modules directory and is only available to that project. A global npm package is installed system-wide and can be used in any project from the command line.

Can you give me an example of a popular npm package?

Certainly! One popular npm package is express, which is a web application framework for Node.js. It simplifies the process of building web servers.