This warning occurs when your npm version expects a different lockfile format than what package-lock.json contains. Different npm versions use different lockfile formats (v1, v2, v3), causing team collaboration and CI/CD issues.
The lockfileVersion field in package-lock.json indicates the format specification used. Different npm versions generate different formats: - lockfileVersion 1: npm v5-v6 (legacy) - lockfileVersion 2: npm v7-v8 (includes backwards compatibility) - lockfileVersion 3: npm v9+ (optimized, no backwards compatibility) When your npm version doesn't match the lockfile version, you may see warnings or unexpected behavior.
Identify the mismatch:
# Your npm version
npm --version
# Lock file version
head -5 package-lock.json
# Look for "lockfileVersion": XVersion mapping:
- npm 6 → lockfileVersion 1
- npm 7-8 → lockfileVersion 2
- npm 9+ → lockfileVersion 3
Create .nvmrc file for consistent Node/npm:
echo "20" > .nvmrcTeam members use:
nvm use
# Now using Node 20, npm 10This ensures everyone generates the same lockfile format.
Create a fresh lock file matching your npm version:
# Delete old lock file
rm package-lock.json
# Regenerate
npm install
# Verify version
head -5 package-lock.jsonCommit the new lock file for the team.
If you need backwards compatibility (e.g., team still on npm 8):
# Force lockfileVersion 2
npm install --lockfile-version=2 --package-lock-onlyOr set permanently in .npmrc:
lockfile-version=2Ensure CI uses the same npm version:
# GitHub Actions
- uses: actions/setup-node@v4
with:
node-version-file: '.nvmrc'
- name: Install dependencies
run: npm ciDocker:
FROM node:20-alpine
RUN npm install -g npm@10Add to README or CONTRIBUTING.md:
## Node.js Version
This project uses Node.js 20 with npm 10.
Run `nvm use` to switch to the correct version.
## Lockfile
package-lock.json uses lockfileVersion 3.
Requires npm 9+.lockfileVersion 3 benefits:
- 30-40% smaller file size (no legacy dependencies section)
- Faster parsing
- Only packages section (location-aware mapping)
lockfileVersion 2 benefits:
- Works with npm 7-10
- Backwards compatible with npm 6 (via dependencies section)
- Better for teams transitioning
For monorepos or workspaces, lockfile version consistency is especially important as multiple packages share one lock file.
Never manually edit package-lock.json—let npm manage it. If conflicts occur, delete and regenerate rather than trying to merge.
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