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npm Cheat Sheet 2026 — Quick CLI Command Reference

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npm Cheat Sheet 2026 — Quick Command Reference

npm Cheat Sheet is the complete quick-reference of npm commands grouped by function. Copy any command with one click and find what you need with Ctrl+F in under 3 seconds.

npm Package Commands

Action Command Useful flags
Create a `package.json` file with default values (omit `–yes` to do it interact 
npm init --yes
 --yes
Download all the packages listed as dependencies in `package.json` 
npm i
Download a specific version of a package and add it to the list of dependencies 
npm i <package_name>@<version>
Download the latest version of a package and add it to the list of dev dependenc 
npm i <package_name> --save-dev
 --save-dev
Download the latest version of a package and install it globally (set the instal 
npm i <package_name> --global
 --global
Uninstall a package and remove it from the list of dependencies in `package.json 
npm r <package_name>
List all locally installed dependencies 
npm ls
List all top-level globally installed packages 
npm ls --global --depth <0>
 --global --depth

⚠️ Dangerous / Destructive Commands

These commands are irreversible. Verify your environment (dev/staging vs prod) before running them.

Action Command Warning
⚠️ Destroy ⚠️ 
terraform destroy -auto-approve
 Irreversible — verify the target before running
⚠️ Delete 
kubectl delete namespace production
 Irreversible — verify the target before running
⚠️ Prune ⚠️ 
docker system prune -af --volumes
 Irreversible — verify the target before running
⚠️ Delete 
pvesh delete /nodes/{node}/qemu/{vmid}
 Irreversible — verify the target before running
⚠️ Delete 
az group delete --name MyResourceGroup --yes
 Irreversible — verify the target before running

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between npm Package Commands and the other groups?

Each group in this npm cheat sheet covers a distinct area. npm Package Commands focuses on its specific scope, while the other groups and the remaining groups cover networking, storage, security and diagnostics respectively.

How do I check the installed npm version?

Run the version command (usually npm version or npm --version). The output shows the client and, when applicable, the server version.

Why does npm return ‘permission denied’?

A ‘permission denied’ error in npm usually means the current user lacks sufficient privileges or credentials are not configured. Check: (1) assigned IAM/RBAC roles, (2) an active authentication context via the corresponding login command.

How do I filter npm output by status or name?

Use flags such as --filter, --selector or --query depending on the tool. You can also pipe into grep or jq to process JSON: 

npm list | grep RUNNING

What is the fastest way to debug a npm error?

Add the verbose flag (--verbose, -v or --debug) to the failing command. This reveals the underlying HTTP/API calls and the full error response body.

Official sources & references

Commands cross-checked against vendor documentation and high-authority repositories: