The ELIFECYCLE error occurs when an npm script defined in package.json fails during execution and exits with a non-zero status code. This is a wrapper error that indicates the underlying script command encountered a problem.
The ELIFECYCLE error is npm's way of reporting that a lifecycle script (such as start, build, test, or any custom script) has failed to complete successfully. The error itself is not the root cause—it's a signal that the command executed by the script encountered an issue and returned a non-zero exit code. When a process exits with code 0, it indicates success. Any other exit code (1, 127, etc.) signals an error condition. The ELIFECYCLE error wraps this exit code and provides additional context about which script failed. The actual problem is usually found in the error output that appears above the ELIFECYCLE message. Common exit codes include 1 (general error), 127 (command not found), and 126 (command not executable). Understanding these codes helps identify whether the issue is a missing dependency, syntax error, or configuration problem.
The ELIFECYCLE error is always preceded by the actual error that caused the script to fail. Scroll up in your terminal to find the real error message.
Look for messages that appear before the ELIFECYCLE error:
- Module not found errors
- Syntax errors in your code
- Command not found messages
- Runtime exceptions from your application
The ELIFECYCLE error is just npm's way of saying "your script failed"—the details above it tell you why.
Corrupted cache or incomplete installations often cause script failures. Clean everything and start fresh:
# Clear npm cache
npm cache clean --force
# Remove node_modules and lock file
rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json
# Reinstall all dependencies
npm installOn Windows, use:
rmdir /s /q node_modules
del package-lock.json
npm installThis ensures all dependencies are correctly installed with fresh metadata.
Version mismatches between your environment and project requirements often cause script failures:
# Check current versions
node --version
npm --version
# Check required versions in package.json
cat package.json | grep -A 2 "engines"If your package.json specifies engine requirements:
{
"engines": {
"node": ">=18.0.0",
"npm": ">=9.0.0"
}
}Update Node.js using nvm (Node Version Manager):
# Install nvm if needed, then:
nvm install 18
nvm use 18Or download the appropriate version from nodejs.org.
Review the script definition in package.json for typos, incorrect paths, or missing commands:
{
"scripts": {
"start": "node server.js",
"build": "webpack --config webpack.config.js",
"test": "jest"
}
}Common issues to look for:
- Typos in command names (e.g., "ndoe" instead of "node")
- References to files that don't exist
- Commands from dev dependencies when running in production
- Incorrect flag syntax
Test the command manually to verify it works:
# If your script is: "start": "node server.js"
# Run it directly:
node server.jsEnable detailed output to see exactly where and why the script fails:
# Run with verbose logging
npm run build --verbose
# Or with even more detail
npm run build --loglevel sillyThe verbose output shows:
- Exact commands being executed
- Environment variables in use
- Module resolution paths
- Timing information for each step
This additional context often reveals the specific point of failure that the standard error output doesn't show.
If your script uses a specific tool or library, ensure it's installed:
# List all top-level dependencies
npm ls --depth=0
# Check for a specific package
npm ls webpack
# Verify dev dependencies are installed (needed for build scripts)
npm install --include=devFor exit code 127 (command not found), install the missing command:
# If the script uses a tool like webpack or typescript:
npm install --save-dev webpack webpack-cli
# or
npm install --save-dev typescript ts-nodeMake sure the command is accessible in node_modules/.bin or installed globally if needed.
Peer dependency conflicts can cause scripts to fail, especially after updates:
# Check for peer dependency warnings
npm install
# If you see peer dependency errors, try legacy mode
npm install --legacy-peer-deps
# Or force resolution (use with caution)
npm install --forceThe --legacy-peer-deps flag tells npm to use the legacy (npm 6 and below) peer dependency resolution behavior, which can resolve conflicts in some cases.
Note: Using --force can lead to broken dependencies. Only use it if you understand the implications and plan to test thoroughly.
Exit Code Reference:
- Exit code 1: General error (syntax error, runtime exception, assertion failure)
- Exit code 127: Command not found (binary not in PATH or not installed)
- Exit code 126: Command found but not executable (permission issue)
- Exit code 2: Misuse of shell command (incorrect usage)
- Exit code 130: Script terminated by Ctrl+C (SIGINT)
CI/CD Considerations:
In continuous integration environments, ELIFECYCLE errors often stem from environment differences:
- Missing environment variables that exist locally
- Different Node.js versions between local and CI
- Dev dependencies not installed in production builds
- File paths that work on one OS but fail on another
Always specify exact versions in package.json engines field and use the same Node.js version locally and in CI.
Memory and Resource Limits:
Large builds can fail with ELIFECYCLE if Node.js runs out of memory:
# Increase Node.js memory limit
export NODE_OPTIONS=--max-old-space-size=4096
npm run buildOr modify the script in package.json:
{
"scripts": {
"build": "node --max-old-space-size=4096 node_modules/.bin/webpack"
}
}Windows-Specific Issues:
Windows users may encounter ELIFECYCLE errors due to:
- Line ending differences (CRLF vs LF) in scripts
- Path separator differences (backslash vs forward slash)
- Long path limitations (260 character limit in older Windows versions)
Consider using cross-platform tools like cross-env for environment variables and cross-spawn for running commands.
Debugging with npm scripts:
You can add debug scripts to your package.json to troubleshoot:
{
"scripts": {
"debug:build": "node --inspect-brk node_modules/.bin/webpack",
"prebuild": "echo 'Starting build...'",
"postbuild": "echo 'Build completed!'"
}
}Pre and post hooks (prebuild, postbuild) can help identify which stage of your script is failing.
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