What is the package-lock.json file for?
While package.json lists version ranges, package-lock.json records the exact installed versions including transitive dependencies. It guarantees that every install produces the same node_modules across machines.
Verify This Answer
Cross-check this information using these trusted sources:
More FAQs in package.json Explained for React Beginners
It is the manifest of your project. It declares the project name and version, defines scripts like start and build, and lists the dependencies and devDependencies your project needs to run and develop.
dependencies are packages your app needs to run, like react and react-dom. devDependencies are packages needed only during development, like Parcel, Babel, and ESLint, which are not shipped to production.
The scripts section defines command shortcuts. When you run npm start or npm run build, npm looks up the corresponding script and runs it. Your dev server, build, lint, and test commands all live there.
Still have questions?
Browse all our FAQs or reach out to our support team