What is the difference between package.json and package-lock.json?

Can you explain the difference between package.json and package-lock.json?

Sure! package.json is a file that contains metadata about your project, including dependencies, scripts, and versioning. package-lock.json, on the other hand, is automatically generated when you install packages and locks the versions of those dependencies to ensure consistent installs across environments.

Why is it important to have both files?

Having both files ensures that your project is reproducible. package.json allows you to specify the dependencies you need, while package-lock.json ensures that everyone working on the project uses the exact same versions of those dependencies.

What happens if I delete package-lock.json?

If you delete package-lock.json, the next time you run npm install, it will generate a new lock file based on the versions specified in package.json. This could lead to different versions being installed, which might cause inconsistencies or bugs.

Can I manually edit package-lock.json?

It's not recommended to manually edit package-lock.json as it is automatically generated. If you need to change a dependency version, it's better to update package.json and then run npm install to regenerate the lock file.