What are the differences between package managers?

What are the main differences between npm and yarn?

npm and yarn are both package managers for JavaScript, but they differ in speed, security, and features. Yarn caches every package it downloads, which can make it faster for subsequent installs. npm has improved its performance over time, but yarn is often preferred for its deterministic installs.

Can you explain what a package manager does?

A package manager automates the process of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing software packages. It helps manage dependencies and ensures that the right versions of libraries are used.

Are there any other popular package managers I should know about?

Yes, besides npm and yarn, there are others like pip for Python, Composer for PHP, and RubyGems for Ruby. Each serves a specific programming language and ecosystem.

Which package manager is better for a beginner?

For beginners, npm is often recommended because it's the default package manager for Node.js and has extensive documentation and community support.