Mastering NPM Link: Simplifying Local Dependency Management

NPM Link is a tool used to link a package as a dependency in another project without publishing or copying it manually. It creates a symlink between the package's dist directory and the application's node_modules directory, allowing for easy testing and debugging. To use NPM Link, configure the package.json file with main and files properties and build the project. Then, run npm link in the package's directory and npm link [package-name] in the project's directory to establish the link. This linking allows you to update and test the dependency in real-time without publishing or copying it. The symlink ensures that the application uses the latest version of the dependency. NPM Link simplifies the local development of NPM packages, eliminating the need for repeated publishing or manual copying into node_modules. It streamlines the integration between projects, enhancing development efficiency. By creating a symlink, NPM Link avoids potential versioning conflicts and allows for seamless testing of changes in the dependency package without affecting the main project. It is a convenient tool that saves time and effort in the development process.