npm Errors

The npm ci sync error occurs when package.json and package-lock.json have mismatched dependencies. Run npm install locally to regenerate the lockfile, then commit the changes.

The ENOCWD error occurs when npm can't access your current working directory because it has been deleted, moved, or renamed while your terminal session was still open. Fix it by navigating to a valid directory.

The npm EPROTO protocol error occurs when npm cannot establish a secure connection to the registry due to SSL/TLS issues, proxy misconfiguration, or symlink problems. It typically indicates network connectivity issues.

The EJSONPARSE error with duplicate key occurs when your package.json contains multiple properties with the same name. This typically happens after git merge conflicts or manual editing errors.

The EADDRINUSE error occurs when you try to start a Node.js server on a port that is already in use by another process. This typically happens when a previous server instance wasn't properly closed or another application is using the same port.

The ESOCKETTIMEDOUT error occurs when npm cannot establish or maintain a network connection to the registry within the expected time. This typically indicates network issues, slow connections, or registry unavailability.

The "unable to get issuer certificate" error occurs when npm cannot verify the SSL/TLS certificate chain for the registry. This is commonly caused by corporate proxies performing SSL inspection or missing CA certificates.

The "unable to verify the first certificate" error occurs when npm cannot verify the SSL certificate chain. This typically means an intermediate certificate is missing from the chain sent by the server.

The npm E451 error occurs when the npm registry blocks a package due to legal or compliance restrictions. This typically affects packages flagged for security concerns or geographic sanctions, requiring you to downgrade or remove the problematic dependency.

This error occurs when your system clock is set to a date before an SSL certificate's validity period begins, causing npm to reject the registry connection. Fixing your system time is the primary solution.

The EREGISTRYNOTFOUND error occurs when npm cannot locate or connect to the configured package registry. This is typically caused by network connectivity issues, misconfigured registry URLs, or proxy settings blocking access.

The ERESOLVE error occurs when npm 7+ encounters conflicting peer dependency requirements. Use --legacy-peer-deps for a quick fix, or resolve the underlying version conflicts for a permanent solution.

The ENXIO error occurs when npm or Node.js tries to access a non-existent device, often triggered by missing stdin/TTY input or debug console limitations. This commonly affects VS Code debug environments and CI/CD deployments.

Exit code 128 in npm typically indicates a Git-related failure, usually SSH authentication issues when installing dependencies from Git repositories. Check SSH key configuration and Git access.

The prebuild-install ELIFECYCLE error occurs when npm fails to download prebuilt binaries and then fails to compile from source. Install build tools (Python, C++ compiler) to enable fallback compilation.

The "old lockfile" warning appears when package-lock.json was created by an older npm version. Regenerate the lockfile or standardize npm versions across your team to resolve this.

The 403 Forbidden error when publishing occurs when the package name is taken, your email isn't verified, or you lack organization permissions. Try using a scoped package name.

The EOVERRIDE error occurs when npm's override validation detects a version specification conflict between your overrides and direct dependencies. Use the $ reference syntax or ensure exact version matches to resolve it.

The EINVALIDPACKAGENAME error occurs when your package name starts with a period (.) or underscore (_). Remove the leading character or use a scoped package name instead.

Exit code 126 means npm found a command but cannot execute it due to missing permissions. This usually happens when node_modules binaries lack execute permissions, often after copying projects between systems.

The ENOTSUP CPU error occurs when npm packages contain native binaries built for a different processor architecture (x64 vs arm64). This commonly happens on Apple Silicon Macs or when copying node_modules between systems. Delete node_modules and reinstall on the target machine.

The npm E406 error occurs when the npm registry server rejects your request due to incompatible Accept headers or misconfigured registry settings. This commonly happens with custom registries like Artifactory, Nexus, or private repositories.

The npm install command fails when security vulnerabilities are detected in dependencies and the audit-level threshold is breached. npm audit automatically scans packages during installation and can block the process if high-severity issues are found.

This error occurs when npm tries to create symlinks or move files across different filesystems or disk partitions. Common in Docker containers, WSL, or when node_modules is on a different drive.

The E401 error occurs when npm cannot authenticate with your registry due to an expired, invalid, or misconfigured authentication token in your .npmrc file. This typically happens after password resets, token expiration, or when credentials are stored incorrectly.

The npm EPARSE error occurs when npm fails to parse a configuration file (package.json or .npmrc), typically due to invalid JSON syntax, malformed key-value pairs, or file encoding issues. This error prevents package installation and other npm operations.

This error occurs when npm downloads a package tarball and the calculated integrity hash doesn't match the expected hash stored in package-lock.json. npm cryptographically verifies all downloaded packages to prevent installation of corrupted or tampered packages.

This error occurs when npm's registry detects that your new package name is too similar to an existing popular package, triggering anti-typosquatting protections designed to prevent malicious package spoofing attacks.

The EBADENGINE error is similar to ENOTSUP and occurs when packages have incompatible engine requirements. This can happen in dependency trees where different packages need conflicting Node versions.

The E401 error indicates an authentication failure when attempting operations on npm's registry. When related to 2FA, it means your npm account has two-factor authentication enabled, but credentials are missing, invalid, or an OTP code is required.

Exit code 128 is a fatal Git error that occurs when npm fails to clone a repository during dependency installation. This typically happens when Git encounters permission denial, network failure, or authentication issues.

The ENOSPC error occurs when npm cannot write files due to insufficient disk space. Clear npm cache, remove node_modules, or free up disk space to resolve this.

This error occurs when npm can't verify the SSL certificate when cloning a Git dependency. Usually caused by corporate proxies, self-signed certificates, or outdated CA certificates.

The ERESOLVE error occurs when npm cannot find a version that satisfies all dependency requirements. This typically indicates conflicting peer dependencies or impossible version constraints.

The ENOTARGET error occurs when npm cannot find a version of a package matching your requirements. This usually means the version doesn't exist or has been unpublished.

This error occurs when npm cannot locate the Node.js executable in your system PATH. Common causes include Node.js not being installed, PATH misconfiguration, or nvm environment issues.

This error occurs when npm fails to create symbolic links during npm link or global package installation. Usually caused by missing directories, incorrect npm prefix configuration, or filesystem limitations.

The ELOCKVERIFY error occurs when package-lock.json and package.json are out of sync. This ensures reproducible builds by detecting when dependencies have changed.

The ENFILE error occurs when npm exceeds the operating system's limit for simultaneously open files during package installation. Resolve it by increasing file descriptor limits.

This error occurs when node-gyp can't find the G++ C++ compiler. Native npm modules with C++ code require g++ for compilation, and this fails if it's not installed.

The EBADPLATFORM error occurs when a package doesn't support your operating system or CPU architecture. This is common with native binaries that aren't built for all platforms.

The EEXIST error occurs when npm tries to create a file or directory that already exists. This often indicates a corrupted state that can be resolved by clearing the affected files.

This warning occurs when prebuild-install can't find prebuilt binaries for your platform/Node.js combination. It falls back to compiling from source, which requires build tools.

The ELIFECYCLE exit code 1 error indicates a npm script failed with an error. The actual error is typically shown before this message and relates to your script's code, not npm itself.

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.

Exit code 137 indicates the process was killed by signal 9 (SIGKILL), usually by the OOM killer due to memory exhaustion. Increase available memory or optimize your build process.

The ESHRINKWRAP error indicates that your npm-shrinkwrap.json file and package.json are out of sync, usually because package.json was modified without updating the shrinkwrap file.

This PowerShell error occurs when Windows' execution policy is set to Restricted, preventing npm scripts from running. The fix involves changing the execution policy to RemoteSigned using Set-ExecutionPolicy.

This error occurs when npm needs admin privileges for global installs or symlinks on Windows. The fix involves running as administrator or changing npm's global prefix to a user-writable directory.

The ENOENT cache error occurs when npm's cache directory is missing or inaccessible. Clearing and rebuilding the cache usually resolves this issue.

The "Pre-built binaries not found" error occurs when no precompiled binary exists for your platform/Node version. Install build tools to compile from source as a fallback.

The EINTEGRITY error in GitHub Actions occurs when cached npm packages don't match the checksums in package-lock.json. The fix involves invalidating the cache, using proper cache keys, or switching to npm ci.

The ENETUNREACH error means npm cannot reach the network to connect to the registry. This indicates a network routing problem, disconnected network, or firewall blocking outbound connections.

The "certificate has expired" error occurs when npm encounters an SSL certificate that is past its validity date. This can happen with outdated system CA certificates, expired corporate certificates, or clock synchronization issues.

The HTTP 409 Conflict error in npm occurs during publish operations when there's a version conflict. This usually means you're trying to publish a version that already exists or there's a concurrent modification.

The "proxy authentication required" error (HTTP 407) occurs when npm cannot authenticate with a corporate proxy server. This requires configuring npm with valid proxy credentials.

The HTTP 422 Unprocessable Entity error occurs when npm's request is syntactically correct but semantically invalid. This often indicates issues with package.json content or registry validation failures.

The HTTP 429 Too Many Requests error occurs when you've exceeded npm registry rate limits. This is common in CI/CD environments with many concurrent jobs or during aggressive scripting.

The HTTP 500 Internal Server Error indicates a problem on the npm registry server side. This is usually temporary and outside your control, requiring you to wait and retry.

The HTTP 502 Bad Gateway error occurs when an intermediate server (like a CDN or proxy) receives an invalid response from the npm registry. This is typically a temporary infrastructure issue.

The HTTP 503 Service Unavailable error indicates the npm registry is temporarily unable to handle requests. This could be due to maintenance, overload, or temporary server issues.

The EJSONPARSE error occurs when npm encounters invalid JSON in package.json or another JSON configuration file. This is usually caused by syntax errors like missing commas, brackets, or quotes.

The ENOPACKAGEJSON error occurs when npm cannot find a package.json file in the expected location. This usually means you're in the wrong directory or haven't initialized your project.

The "Invalid name" error occurs when your package.json contains a name that doesn't follow npm naming rules. Names must be lowercase, URL-safe, and follow specific conventions.

The "Missing version" error occurs when package.json lacks the required "version" field. Every npm package must have a valid semantic version number.

The EINVALIDSEMVER error occurs when npm encounters a version string that doesn't follow semantic versioning rules. This can be in package.json or when specifying versions to install.

The ELIFECYCLE error with exit code 2 indicates an npm script failed during execution. The actual cause is shown above the error message—typically a build configuration issue, missing file, or compilation failure.

EISDIR occurs when npm attempts to perform a file operation on a path that is actually a directory. This typically happens due to corrupted node_modules or accidentally creating directories with file names.

The E410 'Gone' error occurs when trying to install a package that was previously published but has since been unpublished from the npm registry. You'll need to find an alternative package or use a cached version if available.

The EPRIVATE error occurs when attempting to publish a package that has "private": true in package.json. This is a safety feature to prevent accidental publication of internal code.

The EINVALIDTYPE error is an internal npm validation failure that occurs when npm receives data in an unexpected format. This is typically caused by corrupted lockfiles or npm version incompatibilities.

Exit code 139 indicates SIGSEGV (segmentation fault), typically caused by native module binary incompatibilities. Rebuild native modules for your platform or use a compatible base image.

The "command failed" error with code 1 indicates a dependency failed to install, typically due to native module compilation issues. Install build tools and check Node.js version compatibility.

The EINTEGRITY error occurs when a downloaded package doesn't match its expected checksum. Clear npm cache and delete package-lock.json to resolve corrupted integrity hashes.

This error occurs when npm publish or ownership operations fail because your account isn't authorized for the package. Check your npm login, verify package ownership, or use a scoped package name to avoid conflicts.

The EUSAGE error occurs when you pass both --yes and --no flags to npx, which are mutually exclusive. Use only one flag: --yes to install without prompting, or --no to use only locally installed packages.

The EHOOKFAILED error occurs when an npm lifecycle script (preinstall, postinstall, prepare, etc.) fails during package installation. Debug the failing script, fix any missing dependencies, or skip scripts temporarily if needed.

The ENOTSUP libc error occurs when npm packages with native binaries are built for glibc but your system uses musl (or vice versa). This commonly happens with Alpine Linux Docker images. Switch to a glibc-based image or rebuild packages from source.

The ENOTOWNER error occurs when you try to publish, unpublish, or modify an npm package you don't have ownership rights to. Verify your npm account, check the package's owner list, or request ownership from the current maintainer.

The EINVALIDPACKAGENAME error for length occurs when your package name exceeds 214 characters. Shorten your package name or use a scoped name to reduce the character count.

The version not published error occurs when you try to install a package version that doesn't exist in the npm registry. Verify the version exists, check for typos, or clear your npm cache if the version was recently published.

The ENOTSUP platform error occurs when a package declares it only works on specific operating systems. Common examples include the 'n' version manager (Linux/macOS only) on Windows. Use platform-appropriate alternatives or WSL on Windows.

Exit code 143 means your process received SIGTERM—a graceful termination signal. This happens during Docker stops, Kubernetes pod termination, or CI timeouts. Run Node.js directly instead of through npm to handle signals properly.

Deprecation warnings appear when npm packages or versions are no longer maintained. While installations usually succeed despite warnings, update to newer versions or alternatives to avoid security risks and ensure continued support.

npm deprecated command warnings appear when using outdated npm commands or flags. Common triggers include the deprecated --save flag (now default in npm 5+) and legacy commands like npm shrinkwrap.

This informational warning indicates a newer major version of npm is available. While not an error, upgrading ensures you have the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches.

The EOLDNPM error occurs when a package requires a newer npm version than you have installed. This commonly happens with modern packages that need npm 8+ features like workspaces or improved peer dependency handling.

This error occurs when your package name contains characters not allowed by npm. Package names must be lowercase, URL-friendly, and follow specific naming rules.

The "missing script" error occurs when you try to run an npm script that doesn't exist in package.json. Check your script name spelling or add the missing script to package.json.

SIGINT errors occur when an npm script is interrupted, typically by Ctrl+C. This is usually normal behavior, not an actual error—npm reports non-zero exits from interrupted processes.

Exit code 127 means "command not found." This occurs when npm tries to run a script that references a command that doesn't exist or isn't in your PATH.

The "Maximum call stack size exceeded" error typically indicates circular dependencies, corrupted cache, or npm version bugs. Clear cache, update npm, and check for dependency cycles.

The "gyp ERR! find Python" error occurs when node-gyp cannot locate Python during native module compilation. Install Python 3.6+ and ensure it's in your PATH.

The ENEEDAUTH error occurs when npm cannot authenticate with the registry. Run npm login to authenticate, or check your .npmrc for missing or expired tokens.

The ENOGIT error occurs when npm tries to install packages that depend on Git repositories, but the Git executable is not installed on your system or is not accessible via the system PATH.

A package expects a peer you have not installed. Add the required peer in a compatible version or remove the package that needs it.

This error occurs when npm tries to clone a Git dependency using SSH but your SSH key isn't configured or recognized. Common in CI/CD environments, new machines, or when using the wrong SSH key.

This error occurs when npm expects workspaces but none are configured. Usually caused by running workspace commands without a workspaces field in package.json, or running from the wrong directory.

This error occurs when the workspaces field in package.json is malformed. Usually caused by using an object instead of array, invalid glob patterns, or workspace packages missing their package.json.

This error occurs when node-gyp can't find the 'make' build tool. Make is required to orchestrate the compilation of native npm modules.

This error suggests running npm rebuild to recompile native modules. It occurs when modules were compiled for a different Node.js version or need recompilation after changes.

This error occurs during native module compilation when the node-addon-api headers can't be found or have compatibility issues. Usually caused by missing include paths or version mismatches.

This error occurs when npm audit fix can't automatically resolve all security vulnerabilities. Usually because fixes require breaking changes or the vulnerable package hasn't released a patch yet.

This error occurs when npm can't verify the cryptographic signature of a package. Usually caused by package publishing issues, registry problems, or tampering detection.

The npm SIGINT error occurs when a process is interrupted by pressing Ctrl+C or receiving an interrupt signal. This is usually expected behavior but can leave npm operations in an inconsistent state if interrupted at the wrong time.

The ENAMETOOLONG error occurs when npm attempts to create or access a file path that exceeds Windows' 260-character MAX_PATH limit. This is caused by deeply nested node_modules directories.

This error occurs when antivirus software blocks npm from modifying files in node_modules. The fix involves adding your project folder to antivirus exclusions or temporarily disabling real-time protection.

Exit code 137 indicates the Docker container was killed by the OOM (Out of Memory) killer. The fix involves increasing Docker memory limits, optimizing Node.js heap size, or using multi-stage builds.

This catch-all npm error indicates an internal failure that npm cannot categorize. The fix typically involves clearing the npm cache, updating npm/Node.js versions, or checking network connectivity.

The 'write after end' error occurs when npm attempts to write data to a stream after it has been closed, typically during package extraction. This is often caused by npm version bugs, network issues, or corrupted cache.

The EABORT error occurs when npm abruptly terminates, typically due to memory exhaustion, process signals, or container termination. The fix usually involves increasing memory allocation or clearing corrupted cache.

This error occurs when npm cannot authenticate with the registry. Common causes include expired tokens, invalid credentials in .npmrc, or missing authentication for private packages.

This error occurs when npm scripts fail because the shell executable (sh, bash, or cmd) cannot be found in PATH. It is most common on Windows systems where shell configuration or PATH settings are incorrect.

This error occurs when the TCP connection to the npm registry is unexpectedly terminated. Common causes include network instability, proxy misconfiguration, firewall interference, or server-side timeouts during package downloads.

The EAUTHIP error occurs when npm blocks authentication because your IP address is not whitelisted on your account or token. This commonly happens with granular access tokens, enterprise registries, or corporate network restrictions.

The 'cb() never called' error occurs when npm's installation process is interrupted or the callback function fails to complete, usually due to cache corruption, network issues, or insufficient system resources. This error indicates that npm crashed internally and left the installation unfinished.

The ENEEDAUTH error occurs when npm cannot authenticate your machine to publish packages or access private registries. This happens when your authentication credentials are missing, expired, or misconfigured in your .npmrc file.

This error occurs when npm cannot read or parse authentication credentials from your .npmrc file. Common causes include malformed syntax, expired tokens, unscoped auth credentials (npm v8+), or missing registry URLs.

The npm ENOENT error when reading user configuration files occurs when npm cannot find or access your .npmrc file or related config directories. This typically affects Windows users when the npm folder structure is missing or corrupted.

The npm E503 error occurs when the npm registry is temporarily unavailable or unreachable. This can happen due to npm service outages, misconfigured registry URLs, proxy issues, or network connectivity problems. Most cases resolve automatically within minutes.

The EINVALIDSCOPE error occurs when npm detects improperly configured scoped package registries in your .npmrc file. This typically happens when authentication tokens are not scoped to specific registries, or when the scope-to-registry mapping is missing or malformed.

When an npm workspace package has the same name as an external npm dependency, npm becomes confused about whether to resolve the package locally or from the registry, causing installation failures. Renaming your workspace package or using scoped names prevents this conflict.

This error occurs when you run an npm workspace command with a filter that doesn't match any workspace in your monorepo. It typically happens due to package name mismatches between what you specify with --workspace and what's configured in package.json files.

The E401 error occurs when npm cannot authenticate with a private registry, typically due to expired tokens, misconfigured .npmrc files, or protocol mismatches. This happens when credentials are missing, invalid, or the authentication token has expired.

The ESCOPEMISSING error occurs when npm cannot find or properly configure a scope for scoped packages (like @scope/package-name). This typically happens due to missing or incorrect registry configuration in .npmrc.

The EACCES error occurs when npm cannot execute a binary due to insufficient permissions. This commonly happens after using sudo with npm or when file ownership is incorrect.

The EEXIST error occurs when npm tries to create a directory that already exists. This commonly happens during project initialization when a folder with the target name is already present.

This error occurs when a prebuilt native Node.js module requires a newer version of glibc than your Linux system provides. Solutions include upgrading your OS, using a different Node.js version, or building from source.

This error occurs when installing node-canvas without the required system dependencies. Install Cairo and related graphics libraries for your Linux distribution to fix it.

This error occurs when node-gyp tries to compile native Node.js modules on Windows but cannot locate Microsoft Build Tools. It prevents npm install from completing when dependencies require C++ compilation. The fix requires installing Visual Studio Build Tools or properly configuring the MSBuild path.

This error occurs when running npm ci without a package-lock.json file. Generate the lockfile with npm install and commit it to version control.

This error occurs when npm lacks permission to create symlinks in global directories like /usr/local/bin. Usually happens when Node.js was installed with sudo or as root.

The EBADTAR error indicates npm encountered a corrupted or invalid tarball during package installation. This is typically caused by cache corruption, network issues, or proxy problems.

The EOVERRIDECONFLICT error occurs when your package.json overrides section specifies a version that conflicts with a direct dependency. Fix it by using the $ reference syntax or matching version specifications exactly.

The EINTEGRITY error occurs when npm detects a mismatch between the SHA-512 integrity hash of a downloaded package and the expected hash stored in package-lock.json. npm uses cryptographic hashing to verify that downloaded packages haven't been corrupted or tampered with.

This warning indicates your Node.js version is too old for the installed npm version. npm evolves to require newer Node.js versions, and Node.js v10 reached end-of-life in April 2021.

ENODEV means npm or a native Node.js module cannot access a required hardware device or system resource. This typically occurs with USB serial ports, Bluetooth adapters, or when devices are disconnected during installation.

The npm E404 'PUT 404 Not Found' error occurs when attempting to publish a package to npm or a private registry. This error indicates authentication issues, organization/scope misconfigurations, or registry pointing to the wrong location.

This error occurs when npm cannot find or access an executable binary in node_modules/.bin during installation. It's typically caused by corrupted node_modules, broken symlinks, or filesystem issues.

npm's E404 'Scope not found' error occurs when you attempt to publish a scoped package (@scope/package-name) where the scope (organization or user namespace) either doesn't exist on the npm registry, isn't associated with your account, or isn't properly configured.

The E404 error occurs when npm cannot find a package in the registry. The most common cause is a typo in the package name, but it can also indicate registry configuration issues or private package access problems.

The ECANCELLED error occurs when npm init is interrupted, typically by pressing Ctrl+C during the interactive prompts. This is a user-initiated cancellation, not a system error.

This error occurs when a native Node.js module requires a newer C++ standard library than your Linux system provides. Solutions include upgrading your system, installing newer GCC, or using containers.

This error occurs when installing the sharp image processing library without libvips. Install libvips development files for your Linux distribution or use sharp's prebuilt binaries.

This error occurs when package.json has been modified without updating package-lock.json. Run npm install to regenerate the lockfile, then commit both files.

This error occurs when attempting to unpublish a package version that doesn't exist in the npm registry, or when authentication/permissions prevent the registry from finding or deleting the specified version.

This warning appears when your package.json file is missing or has an empty description field. The warning indicates missing metadata that helps users find your package on the npm registry through search.

This macOS-specific error occurs when node-gyp can't find Xcode Command Line Tools. These tools are required to compile native npm modules on macOS.

The _cacache directory, which npm uses to store downloaded packages and metadata, is missing or inaccessible. This error occurs when npm cannot find or write to its internal cache directory.

ETXTBSY occurs when npm attempts to modify or delete a file that is currently in use by another process. This is common in virtualized environments, shared folders, and VM setups.

The ENOTSUP error occurs when your Node.js version doesn't match the package's engine requirements. Update Node.js or use a version manager to switch to a compatible version.

ENOLOCK occurs when npm commands cannot find a package-lock.json or npm-shrinkwrap.json file. Generate the lockfile by running npm install and commit it to version control.

This EISGIT error occurs when npm detects a git submodule in your dependencies. Use git commands to properly remove the submodule, or remove the .git folder from the problematic package.

The npm prune error occurs when npm cannot delete packages from your node_modules directory that aren't listed in package.json, typically due to file locks, permission issues, or corrupted node_modules structures.

ERR_SOCKET_TIMEOUT occurs when npm fails to download packages because the network connection exceeded the timeout threshold. Increase timeout settings, check proxy configuration, or try a different network.

This EMISSINGARG error occurs when npm expects a package name argument but none was provided. Include the package name when using installation flags like --save or -g.

The npm EUSAGE error indicates a usage mistake or configuration mismatch in your npm command. Most commonly caused by misaligned package.json and package-lock.json files, this error prevents dependency installation during builds.

This error occurs when npm cannot find a workspace with the name you specified using the --workspace flag. It typically happens due to package name mismatches between package.json and folder structure.

The ETOOLARGE error occurs when publishing an npm package that exceeds size limits. This usually happens when node_modules, test files, or large assets are accidentally included in the published package.

The EBADSHRINKWRAP error occurs when npm detects structural or data inconsistencies in the npm-shrinkwrap.json file, typically from corruption, platform-specific dependencies, or conflicting versions.

This error occurs when npm commands are run in a directory without a package.json file. It means you're in the wrong directory or haven't initialized your Node.js project yet.

The EHOSTDOWN error occurs when npm cannot connect to the npm registry or another host due to network issues, firewall blocks, or IPv6 misconfigurations. Fixing it requires checking your network connectivity and registry configuration.

An override you set conflicts with dependency resolution. Adjust or remove the override, or align versions so the override matches the graph.

The ENOMEM error occurs when npm or Node.js runs out of available memory. This often happens with large projects, complex dependency trees, or systems with limited RAM.

The 'gyp ERR! find Python' error occurs when npm tries to build native C/C++ modules but cannot locate Python on your system. Node-gyp requires Python 3.6+ to compile packages like bcrypt, canvas, and sqlite3.

The ECONNRESET error with 'tunneling socket could not be established' occurs when npm cannot connect through a proxy server. This is typically caused by misconfigured proxy settings or network connectivity issues.

The npm EPIPE error occurs when npm tries to write data to a pipe or stream that has been closed. This typically happens due to network issues, Node.js version bugs, or stream mismatches during package installation.

This error occurs when npm is denied access to the registry. Common causes include authentication issues, incorrect registry configuration, VPN/proxy interference, or publishing without proper permissions.

This error occurs when npm cannot find a package in the registry. Common causes include typos in the package name, incorrect registry configuration, or trying to access private/scoped packages without authentication.

This error occurs when npm tries to build native modules during package installation but cannot find or access Xcode Command Line Tools on macOS. Node-gyp requires Xcode CLT to compile C/C++ dependencies.

The EPACK error occurs when npm cannot create a tarball (.tgz) file during npm pack or npm publish. This is typically caused by permission issues, corrupted cache, or invalid package.json configuration.

Bundled dependencies are malformed. Fix or remove invalid bundledDependencies entries before publishing.

The funding field in package.json is invalid. Use a valid URL/object/array per npm funding spec.

The ENOFILES error occurs when npm cannot find any files to include in the package tarball. This happens when the files field in package.json is misconfigured or .gitignore rules exclude all publishable content.

The EINTEGRITY error occurs when the downloaded package's SHA checksum doesn't match the expected value in package-lock.json. This security feature prevents installation of tampered or corrupted packages.

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.

Engine warnings appear when a package requires a newer Node.js version than you have installed. While warnings don't block installation, the package may not work correctly on unsupported versions.

This deprecation warning appeared briefly in npm 8.12.0 suggesting to use --location=global instead of -g. The deprecation was reversed in npm 8.12.1, but --location remains a valid modern alternative.

The "npx: command not found" error occurs when npx is not installed or not in your system PATH. npx comes bundled with npm 5.2.0+ and is used to run package binaries without global installation.

The OOM killed error occurs when npm or Node.js exhausts available memory during operations like install or build. Increase memory limits or optimize the operation.

The ENOENT .npmrc error occurs when npm expects a configuration file that doesn't exist. This is usually not critical unless the file is referenced explicitly.

This error indicates that macOS Command Line Tools are missing, which are required for compiling native Node.js modules. Install them using xcode-select to resolve the issue.

This error occurs when npm encounters malformed dependency data during installation. The most common cause is a corrupted package-lock.json file or lockfile version mismatch between npm versions.

This error occurs when Node.js cannot find an executable when running npm scripts. Common causes include missing commands in PATH, corrupted node_modules, or platform-specific shell issues.

This error occurs when npm tries to compile a native module using node-gyp but cannot find Python. The solution is to install Python and ensure it is accessible in your system PATH.

This error occurs when npm tries to execute git but cannot find it in your system PATH. Install git and ensure it is accessible from your terminal or command prompt.

This error occurs when npm cannot find expected files in node_modules during installation or execution. The fix usually involves clearing node_modules and package-lock.json, then performing a clean reinstall.

This error occurs when npm cannot establish a network connection to the npm registry. Common causes include proxy or firewall blocking, VPN interference, misconfigured network settings, or the registry being temporarily unreachable.

This error occurs when npm cannot resolve the DNS address for the npm registry. Common causes include network connectivity issues, misconfigured DNS servers, incorrect proxy settings, or VPN/firewall interference blocking the connection.

This error occurs when npm cannot establish a connection to the registry within the timeout period (default 30 seconds). Common causes include IPv6 connectivity issues, proxy misconfiguration, firewall restrictions, or slow network conditions.

The EAI_AGAIN error is a DNS lookup failure that occurs when npm cannot resolve the registry hostname. This is typically a temporary DNS issue that can be resolved by checking your network connection or DNS configuration.

Rename of .staging failed due to locks or protected paths. Close locking apps (VS Code/IDEs), whitelist the path in Defender/AV, or move the project to a user-writable filesystem.

The EHOSTUNREACH error occurs when npm can reach the network but the specific host (registry.npmjs.org) is unreachable. This typically indicates routing issues, firewall blocks, or the host being temporarily down.

The "self signed certificate" error occurs when npm encounters an SSL certificate that was not issued by a trusted Certificate Authority. This commonly happens with corporate proxies, private registries, or misconfigured networks.

The HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed error in npm occurs when the registry or proxy rejects the HTTP method used by npm. This typically indicates a misconfigured proxy, registry, or permission issue.

The DEPTH_ZERO_SELF_SIGNED_CERT error occurs when npm encounters a self-signed certificate at the root of the chain (depth zero). This means the first certificate in the chain is self-signed, with no chain of trust.

npm tried to read or write a file it cannot access (package-lock, cache tarball, or global path). Fix ownership/locks on that path or move npm to user-owned locations before retrying.

The HTTP 413 Payload Too Large error occurs when your npm package exceeds size limits. This can be caused by accidentally including build artifacts, dependencies, or large assets in your package.

npm cannot stat a file/directory (node_modules, cache, or global path) because permissions or ACLs block metadata access. Fix ownership, remove broken links, and use user-owned locations.

The HTTP 426 Upgrade Required error occurs when the npm registry requires a different protocol version. This usually indicates the need to update npm or Node.js to support newer registry features.

Windows/WSL often throws EPERM when npm touches files locked by AV/IDEs or on restricted mounts. Release locks, fix ownership, shorten paths, and re-run npm with user-owned locations.

npm looked for node_modules but it does not exist yet (fresh checkout, cleaned workspace, or wrong working directory). Install dependencies or point npm at the correct folder.

npm was told to use npm-shrinkwrap.json but the file is missing or not in the current directory. Commit or generate it, or switch to package-lock.json before rerunning.

The HTTP 504 Gateway Timeout error occurs when the npm registry doesn't respond in time. This indicates network latency issues, registry overload, or proxy timeout configurations.

npm cannot create the global package directory because the prefix is unwritable or owned by root. Use nvm/user prefixes or fix ownership, clear staging, then reinstall.

npm cannot remove its temp .DELETE/.staging folders because they are root-owned or locked. Clean them, move to a user-writable prefix, and prevent AV or other processes from holding the files.

The "Unexpected token" JSON error occurs when npm encounters an invalid character while parsing package.json. This typically indicates a syntax error at the reported position.

The "Unexpected end of JSON input" error occurs when npm receives truncated or incomplete JSON. This typically indicates a corrupted file, incomplete download, or prematurely closed brackets.

npm failed to set executable bits on an installed file because the path is not writable or the filesystem blocks chmod. Use user-owned prefixes, fix ownership, or move off read-only/NTFS mounts.

The "Missing name" error occurs when your package.json lacks the required "name" field. The name is mandatory for npm to identify and work with your package.

npm cannot list a directory because Windows/WSL or security tools block access. Remove locks, move to user-owned filesystems, fix ownership, and clean/reinstall.

The EINVALIDPACKAGENAME error occurs when attempting to install or reference a package with an invalid name. This could be a typo, incorrect scope format, or violation of naming rules.

This error occurs when npm tries to create a symlink but a file or symlink already exists at that location. Usually from a previous npm link, conflicting packages, or broken symlinks.

npm cannot pick a compatible set of dependencies because peer requirements conflict. Align versions (or upgrade both sides) and reinstall.

npm found incompatible peer ranges in your dependency graph. Choose versions that satisfy all peers or replace the conflicting package.

You installed a peer outside the supported range. Install a compatible version or upgrade the plugin to one that supports your version.

A package needs a peer that is absent or incompatible. Install the required peer within the range or update the dependent package.

An optional dependency cannot be resolved. Either add/align it, or ignore it if your platform does not need it.

A bundled dependency listed cannot be found in dependencies. Add it to dependencies or remove from bundledDependencies.

Global npm symlinks fail because the bin path is not writable or symlinks are restricted. Use nvm/user prefixes, fix ownership, or adjust Windows symlink policy.

npm expected package-lock.json (especially for npm ci) but could not find it. Regenerate the lockfile, or use npm install --package-lock-only before npm ci.

npm cannot list a directory (node_modules/cache/global path) because it is unreadable or locked. Fix ownership/ACLs, move npm to user-owned dirs, and release AV/IDE locks.

npm cannot rename a temp folder or package because the destination is not writable or the source is locked. Release locks, fix ownership, and use user-owned prefixes before retrying.

npm cannot lstat a path (often a symlink or directory) because permissions block reading metadata. Fix ownership, remove bad symlinks, and run from user-writable filesystems.

npm cannot create a directory because the filesystem or policy blocks it (Windows/WSL AV locks, root-owned prefixes, read-only mounts). Use user-owned paths, release locks, and retry.

npm tried to change ownership of a file or directory but the OS/FS blocks lchown (common on Windows/WSL and non-root global prefixes). Use user-owned prefixes and avoid chown on unsupported filesystems.

npm is being run in a directory without package.json or the path is wrong (moved repo, case mismatch, or missing checkout). Switch to the project root or recreate package.json.

npm tried to rename a staging folder that had already been removed (cleanup, AV, or race). Clean node_modules/cache, stop concurrent installs, and reinstall once.

npm cannot write to the global prefix because it is root-owned or locked. Move globals into your home (nvm/user prefix) or realign ownership once, then reinstall cleanly.

This warning appears when npm skips installing fsevents on non-macOS systems. It is safe to ignore—fsevents is a macOS-only file watching library that is not needed on Windows or Linux.

The EMISSING error occurs when npm cannot find a required dependency during installation. This typically happens due to corrupted lockfiles, incomplete installations, or version mismatches between package.json and package-lock.json.

The "Missing script: test" error occurs when running npm test but no test script is defined in package.json. Add a test script or use your test runner directly to resolve this.

The "Missing script: build" error occurs when running npm run build but no build script is defined in package.json. Add the appropriate build command for your framework to resolve this.

The "Missing script: dev" error occurs when running npm run dev but no dev script is defined in package.json. Add a development server script appropriate for your framework to resolve this.

Exit code 134 indicates SIGABRT (abort signal), typically caused by JavaScript heap out of memory during npm install or build. Increase Node.js memory allocation to resolve this.

Postinstall script failures occur when a package's setup script fails after download. Common causes include missing build tools, permission issues, or network problems downloading binaries.

The prepare script ELIFECYCLE error occurs when a package's prepare hook (typically running npm run build) fails. Check build configuration and ensure all build dependencies are installed.

SIGTERM errors in npm occur when a process is terminated externally, often by Docker, CI timeouts, or process managers. Run Node directly instead of via npm for proper signal handling.

The "cb() never called" error is an internal npm failure, typically caused by cache corruption or network issues. Clear the npm cache and verify your network connection to resolve this.

The node-gyp rebuild error occurs when compiling native C++ modules fails. Install platform-specific build tools (Python, C++ compiler) to resolve this error.

This warning occurs when npm detects that cached tarball data is outdated or corrupted, typically due to network issues, cache corruption, or mismatched checksums. While npm usually recovers automatically, persistent warnings indicate stale cache data that should be refreshed or cleared.

The ENEEDAUTH error occurs when npm cannot find valid authentication credentials while attempting to publish a package. This typically happens when you're not logged in to the registry, have an invalid or expired token, or misconfigured .npmrc settings.

The npm E401 error occurs when npm cannot authenticate your credentials or access token for the npm registry. This typically happens due to expired tokens, incorrect passwords, stale credentials in .npmrc files, or authentication configuration issues.

The ENEEDAUTH error occurs when npm cannot find valid authentication credentials for the registry you're trying to access. This typically happens after logging out, using an expired token, or misconfiguring your .npmrc file.

The npm E401 error occurs when your authentication token or credentials for a private npm registry have expired, been invalidated, or are misconfigured in your .npmrc file. This prevents npm install from accessing private packages you have permission to use.

The EINVALIDPROXY error occurs when npm detects malformed proxy settings in your configuration. This typically happens when the proxy URL is missing the protocol prefix (http:// or https://), contains unencoded special characters, or has incorrect formatting.

The ENOREGISTRY error occurs when npm cannot find or access a configured package registry. This typically happens when the registry configuration is missing, misconfigured, or inaccessible due to network issues or missing authentication.

The ENOENT error occurs when npm cannot find the global packages directory (typically /usr/local/lib/node_modules), usually because the directory doesn't exist or has permission issues. This prevents global package installations and updates from working correctly.

This error occurs when npm cannot access or read the global configuration file, typically due to missing files, permission issues, or corrupted cache. It prevents npm commands from running and is usually fixable within minutes.

This error occurs when npm cannot find a package in your local Verdaccio registry, usually due to missing uplinks configuration, incorrect registry settings, or authentication issues. It prevents developers from installing dependencies through their private registry.

Circular dependencies occur when two or more packages in an npm workspace import each other, creating a dependency loop that prevents proper module loading. This error is common in monorepos and can be detected and fixed by restructuring code or using detection tools.

This warning appears when you try to use npm workspaces (monorepo feature) with npm version 6 or older. Workspaces were introduced in npm v7.0.0, so you need to upgrade npm to use this feature.

This error occurs when npm tries to install a package with native C++ code but the build process fails, usually due to missing build tools, Python configuration issues, or version incompatibilities. The `make` command failing with exit code 2 typically indicates missing dependencies or compilation errors.

The 'gyp ERR! configure error' occurs when npm fails to compile native Node.js modules due to missing system dependencies, build tools, or Python. This happens during npm install when a package requires compilation.

This error occurs when node-gyp cannot locate a valid Visual Studio installation needed to compile native Node.js modules on Windows. You need the C++ build tools from Visual Studio, which can be installed or configured through several methods.

This warning appears when two packages try to install executables with the same name in node_modules/.bin. The last installed package wins, potentially causing unexpected behavior.

This error occurs when building native Node.js modules on macOS and you haven't accepted the Xcode license agreement. The fix requires running a simple command with admin privileges to accept the license.

This error occurs when bcrypt can't find prebuilt binaries and attempts to compile from source without necessary build tools. Install build dependencies or consider using bcryptjs as a pure JavaScript alternative.

This error occurs when running npm ci with an existing node_modules directory. Remove node_modules before running npm ci, or let npm ci handle the cleanup in newer versions.

The Missing script error occurs when you try to run an npm script that doesn't exist in your package.json. Verify the script name, check you're in the correct directory, and ensure your package.json has the required scripts section.

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.

Package outdated errors occur when npm detects version conflicts or deprecated dependencies. Run npm update to refresh packages, use npm outdated to identify what needs updating, and npm-check-updates for major version upgrades.

The EINVALIDPACKAGENAME error with 'blacklisted' occurs when your package.json uses a reserved name like 'node_modules' or a name that conflicts with npm's internal directories. Rename your package to a valid, unique name.

Version mismatch errors occur when npm cannot resolve conflicting version requirements between packages. Use --legacy-peer-deps for a quick fix, or update packages to compatible versions for a proper solution.

The EINVALIDVERSION error occurs when package.json contains a version that doesn't follow semantic versioning format. Use the standard X.Y.Z format (e.g., '1.0.0') instead of incomplete or malformed versions.

The EINVALIDRANGE error occurs when package.json contains a version specification that doesn't follow semver syntax. Fix malformed version ranges like '>=foo' or use proper semver format like '^1.0.0'.

The 'could not determine executable to run' error occurs when npx can't find the package or its executable. Check the package name for typos, ensure it's installed, or use the full --package flag syntax.

Preinstall script failures block npm install before dependencies are even fetched. Common causes include permission issues, missing build tools, or memory constraints. Fix permissions or install required build dependencies.

Exit code 130 means your process received SIGINT, usually from pressing Ctrl+C. This is expected behavior when stopping a dev server. If you didn't press Ctrl+C, check for runaway processes or signal handling issues.

npm displays an informational message reminding developers that some of their installed package dependencies have defined funding sources and are seeking financial support. This is not an error—it's a community-driven way for open-source maintainers to request voluntary contributions.

The 'Invalid tar file' error occurs when npm fails to extract a downloaded package because the tar archive is corrupted, incomplete, or in an unrecognized format. This typically happens during npm install when a package download was interrupted or the cache contains damaged files.

This error occurs when you attempt to publish an npm package with a version number that already exists in the registry. npm enforces version immutability for security and ecosystem stability—once a version is published, it can never be overwritten or reused.

This error occurs when npm tries to remove a symlink that doesn't exist. Usually because the package was already unlinked, manually deleted, or you're in the wrong directory.

This error occurs when npm publish cannot find any files to include in your package tarball. npm uses the files field in package.json as an allowlist, .npmignore as a denylist, or .gitignore as a fallback. When all mechanisms filter out your code, the package ends up empty.

npm prevents unpublishing packages published more than 72 hours ago unless specific criteria are met. This policy exists to maintain Node.js ecosystem stability and prevent breaking changes that could impact thousands of dependent projects.

This warning appears when npm cannot find a README.md file in your package root directory during publication. While not required to publish, npm expects packages to include a README because it serves as the primary documentation displayed on npmjs.com.

This error occurs when npm's cache verification process encounters a missing file or directory. ENOENT indicates npm expected to find a cache file, directory, or metadata but it doesn't exist.

The ENOENT error during npm cache clean occurs when npm cannot find a file or directory it expects to access when clearing the package cache. This typically happens due to corrupted cache files, permission issues, or missing cache directories.

npm fails to install dependencies from private Git repositories when it cannot authenticate with the remote server. This occurs when the system lacks valid credentials (SSH keys, personal access tokens, or cached credentials) to access the remote repository.

This error occurs when npm attempts to clone a git repository during dependency installation but git cannot locate the repository at the specified URL. This suggests either the URL is wrong, the repository doesn't exist, or you lack permissions.

This error occurs when npm can't find a package on GitHub Packages registry. Usually an authentication issue—GitHub Packages returns 404 instead of 401 to hide whether private packages exist.

This error occurs when workspace packages have conflicting dependency versions. npm 7+ enforces peer dependency resolution strictly, causing failures when workspaces require different versions of the same package.

This error occurs when a native module's compiled binary doesn't match your current Node.js version. The NODE_MODULE_VERSION ABI changed, requiring recompilation.

This error occurs when node-pre-gyp can't find prebuilt binaries and fails to compile from source. Usually caused by missing build tools or unsupported platform.

This warning appears when npm audit detects high-severity security vulnerabilities in your dependencies. While not as urgent as critical, high-severity issues should be addressed promptly.

This error occurs when npm can't fetch security audit data from the registry. Usually caused by missing package-lock.json, network issues, or private registries that don't support audits.

This error occurs when npm update can't complete successfully. Usually caused by version conflicts, registry issues, or corrupted package state.

This error occurs when npm can't flatten the dependency tree to remove duplicates. Usually caused by version conflicts or peer dependency issues that prevent deduplication.

The npm SIGHUP error occurs when the controlling terminal is closed or disconnected, typically during SSH sessions, remote deployments, or when terminal windows are closed while npm is running.

This Windows error indicates that Node.js is not in your system PATH, preventing npm and node commands from running. The fix involves adding Node.js to your PATH environment variable or reinstalling Node.js.

This error occurs when Node.js cannot find a required module because dependencies haven't been installed. Run npm install to download all dependencies listed in package.json.

This warning appears on Linux and Windows because fsevents is a macOS-only file watching library. This is completely safe to ignore—npm correctly skips the dependency, and your application works normally without it.

The 'cb() never called' error indicates npm's internal callback function failed to execute during installation. The fix typically involves clearing the npm cache, checking network connectivity, or updating npm/Node.js versions.

The 'npm ERR! canceled' error occurs when npm abruptly terminates an operation, typically due to user interruption, network timeout, cache corruption, or missing packages in non-interactive environments.

The EMFILE error occurs when npm exceeds the operating system's file descriptor limit, typically during large installs or builds. The fix involves increasing the ulimit or using graceful-fs to handle file operations more efficiently.

EROFS occurs when npm attempts to write files but the file system is read-only. This is common in containers, serverless functions, and virtualized environments. Configure npm to use a writable directory.

This error indicates npm encountered a temporary failure communicating with the npm registry or during network operations. Usually resolved by retrying, clearing cache, or checking network/proxy settings.

This warning indicates npm detected inconsistencies in your node_modules directory. Use npm ci for a clean install or delete node_modules and reinstall to resolve dependency mismatches.

EMISSINGARG occurs when npm is unable to properly parse command arguments, typically due to using an outdated npm version or missing required parameters. Update npm and verify your command syntax.

This ENOAUDIT error occurs when your private npm registry doesn't support the audit API. Use --registry flag to audit against the public npm registry or upgrade your private registry.

EPUBLISHCONFLICT occurs when you attempt to publish a package version that already exists in the npm registry. Bump your version number using npm version patch/minor/major and publish again.

EISGIT occurs when npm detects a .git folder inside a node_modules dependency and refuses to modify it. Remove the .git folder from the problematic package or perform a clean reinstall.

This EBADDEVENGINES error occurs when your npm version doesn't match the devEngines.packageManager requirement. Update npm to match the specified version or adjust the devEngines configuration.

EAI_NONAME is a DNS error indicating the hostname could not be found. Check your internet connection, verify DNS configuration, and remove incorrect proxy settings.

EUNKNOWNCOMMAND occurs when you run an npm command that doesn't exist or is misspelled. Check your command spelling and verify the command exists in npm documentation.

This error occurs when your npm monorepo has multiple workspace packages with identical names in their package.json files. Each workspace must have a unique name value to avoid conflicts.

The EMPTYPACKAGE error occurs when npm detects a package.json with missing required fields like 'name' or 'version', or when installing a package that was published with incomplete metadata.

EPREPAREGIT occurs when npm fails to prepare a package installed directly from a Git repository. This typically happens due to missing Git, invalid repository URLs, failed prepare scripts, or SSH/authentication issues.

This error occurs when npm cannot find the specified Git branch, tag, or commit for a Git-based dependency. The reference you're trying to install doesn't exist in the repository, or npm can't access it.

This error occurs when npm commands like 'npm ci' or 'npm audit' cannot find a package-lock.json file in your project. The lock file is required to ensure reproducible installations across environments.

The ENETDOWN error indicates your machine's network interface is down or unavailable, preventing npm from reaching the registry. This is typically caused by connectivity issues, network adapter problems, or proxy configuration conflicts.

The CERT_REVOKED error occurs when npm cannot verify the SSL/TLS certificate of the npm registry due to certificate revocation, outdated CA bundles, or network interference. This typically happens with older Node.js versions or corporate proxies.

This error occurs when npm can't verify the SSL certificate for the registry because the hostname doesn't match the certificate's Subject Alternative Names (SAN). It's commonly caused by DNS issues, corporate proxies, or system clock misalignment.

The E402 'Payment Required' error occurs when trying to publish or install scoped packages without proper access configuration or when an npm organization's billing is unpaid. Scoped packages default to private and require either a paid npm subscription or explicit public access declaration.

The E408 error occurs when npm's request to the registry exceeds the timeout limit, usually due to slow connections or registry latency. This prevents package installation or updates from completing.

The ESRCH error occurs when npm or Node.js attempts to interact with a process that doesn't exist or has already terminated. This typically happens during process cleanup, DNS lookups, or when tools try to kill child processes that have already exited.

The EMLINK error occurs when npm encounters too many hard links or symlinks during installation, typically caused by filesystem limits, self-referencing symlinks, or link configuration issues. Clear your cache, check for broken symlinks, and reconfigure npm's linking behavior to resolve the problem.

ESPIPE is a system-level error that occurs when npm or Node.js tries to seek (reposition) on a pipe or non-seekable file descriptor. This typically happens with virtual filesystems, large operations, or version mismatches.

Binary-related npm errors occur when package executables aren't properly installed or linked. Clear node_modules, reinstall dependencies, and ensure your npm version is compatible with your lockfile.

The npm deprecated warning indicates that a package in your dependency tree is no longer actively maintained or recommended for use. The package continues to work but will not receive updates, security patches, or new features.

The EACCES permission denied error occurs when npm lacks write access to global package directories. Fix it by using nvm to manage Node.js, changing npm's default directory, or fixing directory ownership. Never use sudo with npm.

npm encountered a 401 Unauthorized HTTP response when attempting to fetch a scoped package. This indicates the registry rejected the request due to missing, invalid, expired, or incorrectly configured authentication credentials.

Access denied errors in npm typically stem from file permission issues when installing global packages or writing to node_modules. Use nvm for Node.js management, configure a user-writable npm prefix, or fix directory ownership.

The EINVALIDPACKAGENAME error for core modules occurs when your package name matches a Node.js built-in module like 'fs', 'http', or 'path'. Rename your package to avoid conflicts with Node.js internals.

The EINVALIDPACKAGENAME error for capital letters occurs because npm requires all package names to be lowercase. Convert your package name to lowercase, using hyphens to separate words.

The node-gyp rebuild error occurs when npm can't compile native C/C++ modules. Install build tools (Python, make, g++) for your platform, or use pre-built binaries when available.

When running npm install in a project without a package-lock.json file, npm displays a warning advising you to commit the newly created lock file. This warning ensures dependency consistency across your team and CI/CD environments.

The EPRIVATE error occurs when you attempt to publish a package that has "private": true in its package.json. This field is a safeguard that prevents npm from publishing the package at all, regardless of destination registry.

npm requires a one-time password (OTP) from your 2FA authenticator to complete this operation. This error occurs when two-factor authentication is enabled on your npm account and you attempt write operations like npm publish without providing the OTP code.

This warning appears when your package.json file lacks a license field. npm displays this to indicate that your package metadata is incomplete and users won't know what rights they have to use, modify, or distribute your code.

This warning appears when npm publishes a package that lacks a 'repository' field in package.json. The repository field tells package consumers where the source code is hosted, improving discoverability and user trust.

The EINTEGRITY cacache error occurs when npm's content-addressable cache detects that a downloaded package's checksum doesn't match the expected hash. This typically results from corrupted cache, hash algorithm mismatches, or network interruptions.

This error occurs when npm tries to install a Git dependency but cannot find the specified branch, tag, or commit. Usually caused by a typo in the reference name, a deleted branch, or using semver syntax on Git URLs.

This error occurs when npm encounters a malformed registry URL in your configuration. Usually caused by typos in .npmrc, missing protocol, extra quotes, or corrupted settings.

This Windows-specific error occurs when npm can't create junctions (directory symlinks) due to permission issues. Usually requires running as Administrator or enabling Windows Developer Mode.

This error occurs when npm can't find a workspace directory that's declared in your package.json. Usually caused by a typo in the workspaces glob, a deleted directory, or mismatched paths.

This error occurs when node-gyp can't find a C compiler on your system. Native npm modules require compilation, and this fails without build tools like gcc or clang installed.

This error occurs when node-gyp can't find the Node.js development headers needed to compile native modules. Usually caused by missing or corrupted header files.

This error occurs when npm audit finds critical security vulnerabilities in your dependencies. Critical vulnerabilities pose serious security risks and typically block CI/CD pipelines.

This error occurs when npm outdated can't fetch package information from the registry. Usually caused by network issues, corrupted cache, or registry configuration problems.

The npm SIGTERM error occurs when npm receives a termination signal, typically from container orchestrators, process managers, or system shutdowns, and fails to pass it gracefully to the Node.js child process.

The npm SIGKILL error occurs when the operating system forcibly terminates the npm process, typically due to out-of-memory conditions, container resource limits, or CI/CD timeouts. Unlike SIGTERM, SIGKILL cannot be caught or handled.

The EBUSY error indicates that npm cannot access a file or directory because it's currently locked by another process, such as antivirus software, IDE file watchers, or cloud sync services. This is primarily a Windows-specific issue.

The ENOTEMPTY error occurs when npm cannot remove a directory because it still contains files, typically due to interrupted installations, file locks from running processes, or corrupted node_modules state.

This error occurs when Node.js tries to load a native addon compiled for glibc on Alpine Linux (which uses musl). The fix involves rebuilding native modules with Alpine's build tools or switching to a glibc-based Docker image.

The EINVAL error is a low-level operating system error indicating npm attempted an invalid file operation. This is typically caused by corrupted node_modules, filesystem type incompatibility, or npm version issues.

ELOOP occurs when npm encounters a circular or excessively deep chain of symbolic links during package operations. Resolve it by removing node_modules, clearing cache, or using --no-bin-links flag.

Version mismatch errors occur when npm cannot resolve conflicting version requirements across your project dependencies. Use --legacy-peer-deps flag or update packages to compatible versions.

ENOAUDIT occurs when npm audit cannot reach or is not supported by your configured registry. Use --registry flag to audit against the public npm registry or disable audit with --no-audit.

This EBADDEVENGINES error occurs when your Node.js version doesn't match the devEngines.runtime requirement. Update Node.js using nvm or fnm to match the project's specified version.

EAI_NODATA is a DNS error indicating the DNS server responded but had no records for the hostname. Configure public DNS servers, check proxy settings, or verify network connectivity.

ETOOMANYARGS occurs when an npm command receives more arguments than expected. Use the -- separator when passing arguments to npm scripts, and verify your command syntax.

The EINVALIDTAGNAME error with spaces occurs when npm encounters a tag name containing spaces or special characters. This typically happens when using npm tag commands or dist-tags with spaces, or malformed package names.

The EMPTYPACKAGE error occurs when npm tries to install or publish a package that contains no distributable files. This typically happens due to overly restrictive .gitignore rules or misconfigured package.json files field.

The EWORKSPACEMISSING error occurs when npm cannot find a workspace referenced in your monorepo configuration. This happens when a workspace is defined in package.json but the directory doesn't exist or the package name doesn't match.

This error occurs when npm or Node.js attempts to bind to an IP address that doesn't exist on your machine. It's typically caused by incorrect network configuration, dynamic IP changes, or proxy issues.

The CERT_SIGNATURE_FAILURE error occurs when npm cannot verify the SSL certificate of the npm registry due to missing or invalid certificates in your trust store. This typically happens with firewalls, proxies, antivirus software, or outdated Node.js versions.

The npm E400 Bad Request error occurs when npm sends a malformed or invalid request to the registry. Common causes include misconfigured registry settings, invalid package.json formatting, or scope mismatches when publishing packages.

This error occurs when npm cannot find or access the registry configured for a package, typically due to missing .npmrc configuration, incorrect registry URLs, or authentication issues. npm needs a valid registry URL to download packages.

The EAUTHTOKEN error occurs when npm cannot authenticate using an invalid, expired, or incorrectly configured authentication token in your .npmrc file or environment. This guide covers regenerating tokens, updating credentials, and proper configuration for npm registries.

ENOTDIR occurs when npm expects a directory path but encounters a file instead. This usually happens due to corrupted cache, a file named 'tmp' in your home directory, or cloud-synced drives.

EFAULT occurs when npm or Node.js encounters an invalid memory address or filesystem issues during package operations. This typically indicates filesystem corruption, permission issues, or memory constraints.

This ENOLOCK error occurs when npm ci detects mismatched package.json and package-lock.json files. Regenerate the lockfile by running npm install and commit it to version control.

EBADDEVENGINES occurs when your development environment doesn't match the requirements specified in a package's devEngines field. Update your Node.js or npm version to match the project requirements.

EAI_FAIL is a DNS resolution error indicating npm cannot resolve the registry hostname. Check your internet connection, configure DNS servers, or verify proxy settings.

EUNKNOWNTYPE occurs when npm encounters a type validation failure, typically when dependency versions in package.json are specified as numbers instead of strings. Fix the package.json to use string version values.

The EINVALIDTAGNAME error occurs when npm encounters tag names or version specifiers containing characters that encodeURIComponent encodes (like @, ^, >, =). This typically happens with malformed version specifiers in dependencies.

The EAUDITLEVELFAIL error occurs when npm audit finds security vulnerabilities at or above your specified --audit-level threshold. This is intentional behavior to prevent vulnerable dependencies in CI/CD pipelines.

This error occurs when your npm authentication token has expired and can no longer authenticate requests to private registries. As of 2025, npm has strengthened security by enforcing token expiration limits.