What happens if I delete package-lock.json?

What happens if I delete package-lock.json?

Deleting package-lock.json can lead to inconsistent dependencies in your project. It locks the versions of your packages, so without it, you might install different versions.

Will it affect my project if I reinstall the packages?

Yes, if you reinstall the packages without the lock file, npm will install the latest compatible versions, which may introduce breaking changes.

How can I recover it if I accidentally delete it?

You can recover package-lock.json by checking it out from your version control system, like Git, if you have it tracked.

Is it safe to delete it if I'm starting a new project?

If you're starting a new project, it's generally safe to delete it, but it's a good practice to let npm generate a new one for dependency management.