The ELIFECYCLE error occurs when an npm script exits with a non-zero code. The actual cause is in the error output above ELIFECYCLE. Clean your node_modules, check script syntax, and verify Node.js version compatibility.
ELIFECYCLE is npm's generic error for "a script failed." It doesn't tell you what went wrong—it just confirms something exited with an error code. The actual cause is always in the output above the ELIFECYCLE message. This error appears when any npm lifecycle script (start, build, test, preinstall, postinstall, etc.) exits with a non-zero status code. The script itself failed for some reason—maybe a syntax error, missing dependency, permission issue, or runtime crash. Think of ELIFECYCLE as the messenger, not the message. You need to scroll up in the terminal output to find the real error.
ELIFECYCLE is just the wrapper. Scroll up to find the real error:
TypeError: Cannot read property 'foo' of undefined
at Object.<anonymous> (/app/src/index.js:15:10)
...
npm ERR! code ELIFECYCLE <-- This just confirms the script failedThe TypeError is your actual problem to solve.
The most common fix for mysterious ELIFECYCLE errors:
rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json
npm cache clean --force
npm installThis resolves corrupted dependencies, incomplete installs, and version mismatches.
Ensure your Node.js version matches project requirements:
node --versionCheck package.json for required version:
{
"engines": {
"node": ">=18.0.0"
}
}Use nvm to switch versions:
nvm install 18
nvm use 18Get more details about what's failing:
npm run build --verboseOr set the log level:
NPM_CONFIG_LOGLEVEL=verbose npm run buildIf a server script fails, check if the port is in use:
# macOS/Linux
lsof -i :3000
# Windows
netstat -ano | findstr :3000Kill the process or change the port in your configuration.
Check for typos or invalid commands:
{
"scripts": {
"build": "webpack --mode production",
"start": "node server.js"
}
}Ensure the commands exist and paths are correct for your project structure.
Common exit codes and their meanings:
| Code | Meaning |
|------|---------|
| 1 | General error (check output for details) |
| 2 | Misuse of shell command |
| 126 | Command not executable |
| 127 | Command not found |
| 128+N | Killed by signal N (130=SIGINT, 137=SIGKILL, 143=SIGTERM) |
For Docker builds, ensure sufficient memory allocation (4GB+ recommended). Memory exhaustion often causes ELIFECYCLE with little diagnostic output.
In CI/CD, consider using npm ci instead of npm install for deterministic builds. Also ensure the CI environment has matching Node.js version and sufficient resources.
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