This error occurs when create-react-app or similar npm init commands fail during execution. Often caused by Node.js version issues, corrupted cache, or the fact that Create React App is now deprecated.
The ELIFECYCLE error means an npm script failed during execution. When it occurs with create-react-app, it typically means the initialization process crashed before completing. **Important Update**: Create React App was officially deprecated by the React team in February 2025. While the tool still works, it's no longer maintained, and the React team recommends using modern alternatives like Vite, Next.js, or Remix instead. Common causes for this error: - Node.js or npm version incompatibility - Corrupted npm cache - Network issues during package download - Insufficient disk space or memory - Port conflicts (for development server)
Create React App is deprecated. Use these modern alternatives instead:
Vite (fastest, recommended for SPAs):
npm create vite@latest my-app -- --template react
cd my-app
npm install
npm run devNext.js (full-stack, production-ready):
npx create-next-app@latest my-appRemix:
npx create-remix@latest my-appIf you need to use Create React App:
npm cache clean --force
npx clear-npx-cache
npx create-react-app@latest my-appCRA works best with LTS Node.js versions:
node --version
npm --version
# Use nvm to switch to LTS
nvm install --lts
nvm use --ltsEnsure npm is up to date:
npm install -g npm@latestGet more details about what's failing:
npx create-react-app my-app --verboseThis shows detailed logs to help identify the specific failure point.
Why CRA is deprecated: Create React App was officially sunsetted by the React team due to:
- Slow build times compared to modern tools
- Lack of active maintenance
- Better alternatives available (Vite, Next.js)
Migration path: If you have existing CRA projects, consider migrating to Vite:
# In existing CRA project
npm install vite @vitejs/plugin-react --save-devThen update your build configuration.
CI/CD considerations: If CRA commands fail in CI with CI=true, the build treats warnings as errors. Either fix the warnings or set CI=false (not recommended for production).
Memory issues: In Docker or low-memory environments, CRA may fail. Increase available memory or use --max-old-space-size:
NODE_OPTIONS=--max-old-space-size=4096 npx create-react-app my-appnpm ERR! code ENOAUDIT npm ERR! Audit endpoint not supported
How to fix "npm ERR! code ENOAUDIT - Audit endpoint not supported"
npm ERR! code EBADDEVENGINES npm ERR! devEngines.runtime incompatible with current node version
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npm ERR! code ETOOMANYARGS npm ERR! Too many arguments
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npm ERR! code EINVALIDTAGNAME npm ERR! Invalid tag name: tag names cannot contain spaces
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npm ERR! code E400 npm ERR! 400 Bad Request
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