How to fix npm ERR! package.json must have name in npm | DevErrors

How to fix "npm ERR! package.json must have name"

1Add the name field

Include name in package.json:

json

{
  "name": "your-package-name",
  "version": "1.0.0"
}

Both name and version are required.

2Use npm init

Let npm create valid package.json:

bash

# Interactive
npm init

# Quick with defaults
npm init -y

This ensures all required fields exist.

3Check for JSON errors

The name might exist but be unparseable:

bash

# Validate JSON
node -e "console.log(JSON.parse(require('fs').readFileSync('package.json')))"

# Pretty print to check
cat package.json | npx json

4Restore from git

If accidentally deleted:

bash

# See what changed
git diff package.json

# Restore
git checkout HEAD -- package.json

5Fix merge conflicts

If name was lost in merge:

bash

# Check for conflict markers
grep -n "<<<<<<" package.json

# Manually resolve or:
git checkout --theirs package.json
# Then verify and re-add your changes

6Choose a good name

Name selection tips:

- Descriptive but concise
- Lowercase with hyphens
- Check availability: npm view desired-name
- Consider scope for org: @myorg/package

How to fix npm ERR! package.json must have name in npm

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How to fix "npm ERR! package.json must have name"

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