how to run npm install --save-dev within node.js

Question

I've created a cli to format my project and install some dependencies.

I try to run

const runNpm = () => {
  return new Promise(resolve => {
    npm.load(function(err) {
      // handle errors

      npm.commands.install(
        ["@angular/core", "@angular/cli --save-dev"],
        function(err, data) {
          if (err) {
            reject(err);
          }
          console.log("dependencies installed");
          resolve();
        }
      );

      npm.on("log", function(message) {
        console.log(message);
      });
    });
  });
};

Without --save-dev it work perfectly
I've searched on internet, but couldn't find nothing.

Out of curiousity, what's the use case for running npm commands withing node.js rather than doing this via package.json? — Qiniso, Nov 18 '19 at 09:55
@Qiniso I have a cli that format an angular project newly created (Create folder structure, generated base files and update tslint). Because I'm using [tslint-config-standard-plus](https://www.npmjs.com/package/tslint-config-standard-plus) I want my cli to being able to download the required dependencies without having to do anything. It may exist another solution that I'm not aware of in that case, I would be glad to hear it :) — Raphaël Balet, Nov 18 '19 at 14:13

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 18 '19 at 10:42

0

You can check the solution here: Can I install a NPM package from javascript running in Node.js? for general npm packages installation using npm package manager from javascript code.

I hope this will help.

answered Nov 18 '19 at 10:42

Sadmi

311
2
15

Thanks for the link. If I understand it right, it isn't possible to do it directly via `npm.commands.[something]` but rather to do it like that. ```shell var exec = require('child_process').exec; child = exec('npm install ffi').stderr.pipe(process.stderr); ```? _thx to [the Vyacheslav answer](https://stackoverflow.com/a/19406194/11135174)_ – Raphaël Balet Nov 18 '19 at 14:15
@rbalet I believe you can use the both methods and you will reach the same result. – Sadmi Nov 18 '19 at 14:20
do you have a sample for the first method? It's what I'm not able to find.. – Raphaël Balet Nov 18 '19 at 14:32

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 18 '19 at 16:10

0

I believe I found the solution that will save the package into the dev list, you have to use npm.load() as follows:

var npm = require('npm');

npm.load({ 'save-dev': true }, function (err) {
    if (err) console.log(err);

    npm.commands.install(['@angular/core', '@angular/cli'], function (err, data) {
        if (err) return console.error(err)
    });
});

Original answer is here: Programmatically install a npm package, providing --save-dev flag

answered Nov 18 '19 at 16:10

Sadmi

311
2
15

Thx a lot, I see, then this question is a duplicate of the link you shared. Sorry for the inconvenience – Raphaël Balet Nov 19 '19 at 09:16

how to run npm install --save-dev within node.js

2 Answers2