Link a package globally for development
📦 Node.js-> Command Line
✨ The Prompt Phrase
npm link
💻 Code Preview
📦 All-in-One Code
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Link a package globally for development - Interactive Tutorial</title>
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Poppins:wght@300;400;600;700;900&family=Fira+Code:wght@400;500;600&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
<style>
:root {
--bg-primary: #0a0e27;
--bg-secondary: #151932;
--bg-card: #1e2139;
--accent-purple: #a855f7;
--accent-blue: #3b82f6;
--accent-green: #10b981;
--accent-red: #ef4444;
--accent-yellow: #f59e0b;
--accent-pink: #ec4899;
--accent-cyan: #06b6d4;
--accent-indigo: #6366f1;
--text-primary: #f8fafc;
--text-secondary: #94a3b8;
--gradient-link: linear-gradient(135deg, #6366f1 0%, #8b5cf6 100%);
--gradient-chain: linear-gradient(135deg, #8b5cf6 0%, #a855f7 100%);
--shadow: 0 20px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}
* {
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
body {
font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
background: var(--bg-primary);
color: var(--text-primary);
line-height: 1.6;
overflow-x: hidden;
}
.container {
max-width: 1200px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 20px;
}
.progress-container {
position: fixed;
top: 0;
left: 0;
width: 100%;
height: 5px;
background: var(--bg-secondary);
z-index: 1000;
}
.progress-bar {
height: 100%;
background: var(--gradient-link);
width: 0%;
transition: width 0.3s ease;
}
.hero {
text-align: center;
padding: 100px 20px;
background: var(--gradient-link);
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
border-radius: 0 0 50px 50px;
}
.hero::before {
content: '';
position: absolute;
top: 0;
left: 0;
right: 0;
bottom: 0;
background: url('data:image/svg+xml,<svg width="100" height="100" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><circle cx="50" cy="50" r="2" fill="white" opacity="0.1"/></svg>');
animation: float 20s linear infinite;
}
@keyframes float {
from { transform: translateY(0); }
to { transform: translateY(-100px); }
}
.hero-content {
position: relative;
z-index: 1;
}
.link-icon {
font-size: 5rem;
margin-bottom: 20px;
animation: linkSwing 3s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes linkSwing {
0%, 100% { transform: rotate(-10deg); }
50% { transform: rotate(10deg); }
}
.command-display {
display: inline-block;
background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
padding: 25px 40px;
border-radius: 15px;
font-family: 'Fira Code', monospace;
font-size: 1.5rem;
margin: 30px 0;
border: 3px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
animation: pulse 2s ease-in-out infinite;
color: white;
font-weight: 600;
}
@keyframes pulse {
0%, 100% { transform: scale(1); }
50% { transform: scale(1.05); }
}
.hero h1 {
font-size: 3.5rem;
font-weight: 900;
margin-bottom: 20px;
color: white;
text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
}
.hero p {
font-size: 1.4rem;
opacity: 0.95;
color: white;
}
.section {
margin: 60px 0;
}
.section-title {
font-size: 2.5rem;
margin-bottom: 30px;
background: var(--gradient-link);
-webkit-background-clip: text;
-webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
background-clip: text;
display: inline-block;
font-weight: 700;
}
.card {
background: var(--bg-card);
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 40px;
margin: 30px 0;
box-shadow: var(--shadow);
border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
transition: transform 0.3s ease;
}
.card:hover {
transform: translateY(-5px);
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.code-block {
background: #1e1e1e;
border-radius: 15px;
padding: 25px;
margin: 20px 0;
font-family: 'Fira Code', monospace;
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.code-header {
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justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
margin-bottom: 15px;
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.terminal-dots {
display: flex;
gap: 6px;
}
.terminal-dot {
width: 12px;
height: 12px;
border-radius: 50%;
}
.dot-red { background: #ff5f56; }
.dot-yellow { background: #ffbd2e; }
.dot-green { background: #27c93f; }
.copy-btn {
background: var(--accent-purple);
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 8px 16px;
border-radius: 8px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 0.9rem;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
}
.copy-btn:hover {
background: var(--accent-blue);
transform: scale(1.05);
}
.copy-btn.copied {
background: var(--accent-green);
}
pre {
margin: 0;
overflow-x: auto;
}
code {
color: #e0e0e0;
font-size: 0.95rem;
line-height: 1.8;
}
.code-comment { color: #6a9955; }
.code-string { color: #ce9178; }
.code-keyword { color: #569cd6; }
.code-npm { color: #cb3837; font-weight: 600; }
.code-link { color: #8b5cf6; font-weight: 600; }
.steps {
counter-reset: step-counter;
}
.step {
background: var(--bg-secondary);
border-radius: 15px;
padding: 30px;
margin: 20px 0;
position: relative;
padding-left: 100px;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
}
.step:hover {
background: var(--bg-card);
transform: translateX(10px);
}
.step::before {
counter-increment: step-counter;
content: counter(step-counter);
position: absolute;
left: 20px;
top: 50%;
transform: translateY(-50%);
width: 60px;
height: 60px;
background: var(--gradient-link);
border-radius: 50%;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
font-size: 1.8rem;
font-weight: 900;
color: white;
}
.step h3 {
color: var(--accent-indigo);
margin-bottom: 10px;
font-size: 1.5rem;
}
.feature-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(250px, 1fr));
gap: 25px;
margin: 30px 0;
}
.feature-card {
background: var(--bg-secondary);
padding: 30px;
border-radius: 15px;
text-align: center;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
border: 2px solid transparent;
}
.feature-card:hover {
border-color: var(--accent-purple);
transform: translateY(-10px);
}
.feature-icon {
font-size: 3.5rem;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.feature-title {
font-weight: 600;
color: var(--accent-purple);
margin-bottom: 10px;
font-size: 1.3rem;
}
.demo-container {
background: var(--bg-secondary);
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 40px;
margin: 30px 0;
}
.link-diagram {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-around;
align-items: center;
margin: 30px 0;
flex-wrap: wrap;
gap: 20px;
}
.diagram-box {
background: var(--bg-card);
padding: 30px;
border-radius: 15px;
border: 2px solid var(--accent-purple);
text-align: center;
min-width: 200px;
}
.diagram-arrow {
font-size: 3rem;
color: var(--accent-purple);
}
.terminal {
background: #1e1e1e;
border-radius: 15px;
padding: 20px;
font-family: 'Fira Code', monospace;
min-height: 250px;
margin: 20px 0;
overflow-y: auto;
max-height: 500px;
}
.terminal-line {
margin: 10px 0;
}
.terminal-prompt {
color: var(--accent-green);
}
.demo-button {
background: var(--gradient-link);
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 15px 40px;
border-radius: 50px;
font-size: 1.1rem;
font-weight: 600;
cursor: pointer;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
display: inline-flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 10px;
margin: 10px;
}
.demo-button:hover {
transform: scale(1.05);
box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.4);
}
.tabs {
display: flex;
gap: 10px;
margin-bottom: 20px;
flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.tab {
padding: 12px 24px;
background: var(--bg-secondary);
border: none;
border-radius: 10px;
color: var(--text-primary);
cursor: pointer;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
font-size: 1rem;
}
.tab:hover {
background: var(--bg-card);
}
.tab.active {
background: var(--gradient-link);
color: white;
}
.tab-content {
display: none;
}
.tab-content.active {
display: block;
}
.accordion-header {
cursor: pointer;
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
padding: 20px;
background: var(--bg-secondary);
border-radius: 12px;
margin: 15px 0;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
}
.accordion-header:hover {
background: var(--bg-card);
}
.accordion-icon {
transition: transform 0.3s ease;
font-size: 1.2rem;
}
.accordion-icon.active {
transform: rotate(180deg);
}
.accordion-content {
max-height: 0;
overflow: hidden;
transition: max-height 0.3s ease;
}
.accordion-content.active {
max-height: 2000px;
}
.accordion-body {
padding: 20px;
background: var(--bg-secondary);
border-radius: 12px;
margin-top: 5px;
}
.tip, .warning, .success, .info {
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 10px;
margin: 20px 0;
}
.tip {
background: rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.1);
border-left: 4px solid var(--accent-blue);
}
.tip::before { content: '💡 '; font-size: 1.5rem; }
.warning {
background: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.1);
border-left: 4px solid var(--accent-red);
}
.warning::before { content: '⚠️ '; font-size: 1.5rem; }
.success {
background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.1);
border-left: 4px solid var(--accent-green);
}
.success::before { content: '✅ '; font-size: 1.5rem; }
.info {
background: rgba(236, 72, 153, 0.1);
border-left: 4px solid var(--accent-pink);
}
.info::before { content: '🔍 '; font-size: 1.5rem; }
.quiz-container {
background: var(--bg-card);
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 40px;
margin: 30px 0;
}
.quiz-question {
margin: 30px 0;
}
.quiz-question h3 {
color: var(--accent-purple);
margin-bottom: 20px;
font-size: 1.3rem;
}
.quiz-options {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
gap: 15px;
}
.quiz-option {
background: var(--bg-secondary);
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 12px;
cursor: pointer;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
border: 2px solid transparent;
}
.quiz-option:hover {
border-color: var(--accent-blue);
transform: translateX(10px);
}
.quiz-option.correct {
border-color: var(--accent-green);
background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.1);
}
.quiz-option.incorrect {
border-color: var(--accent-red);
background: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.1);
}
.quiz-feedback {
margin-top: 15px;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 10px;
display: none;
}
.quiz-feedback.show {
display: block;
}
.quiz-feedback.correct {
background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.1);
border-left: 4px solid var(--accent-green);
}
.quiz-feedback.incorrect {
background: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.1);
border-left: 4px solid var(--accent-red);
}
.cheat-sheet {
background: var(--gradient-link);
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 40px;
margin: 30px 0;
color: white;
}
.cheat-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(250px, 1fr));
gap: 20px;
margin-top: 30px;
}
.cheat-item {
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 15px;
border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
}
.cheat-item h4 {
color: white;
margin-bottom: 10px;
font-weight: 600;
}
.cheat-item code {
background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
padding: 4px 8px;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 0.9rem;
color: white;
}
.highlight {
color: var(--accent-yellow);
font-weight: 600;
}
.footer {
text-align: center;
padding: 40px 20px;
background: var(--bg-secondary);
margin-top: 80px;
border-radius: 20px;
}
.footer p {
color: var(--text-secondary);
margin: 10px 0;
}
.badge {
display: inline-block;
padding: 6px 12px;
background: var(--gradient-link);
border-radius: 20px;
font-size: 0.85rem;
font-weight: 600;
margin: 5px;
}
.confetti {
position: fixed;
width: 10px;
height: 10px;
background: var(--accent-purple);
animation: confetti-fall 3s linear forwards;
z-index: 9999;
}
@keyframes confetti-fall {
to {
transform: translateY(100vh) rotate(360deg);
opacity: 0;
}
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
.hero h1 { font-size: 2rem; }
.command-display { font-size: 1rem; padding: 15px 20px; }
.section-title { font-size: 1.8rem; }
.card { padding: 25px; }
.step { padding-left: 80px; }
.step::before { width: 50px; height: 50px; font-size: 1.5rem; }
.link-diagram { flex-direction: column; }
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="progress-container">
<div class="progress-bar" id="progressBar"></div>
</div>
<div class="hero">
<div class="hero-content">
<div class="link-icon">🔗</div>
<h1>Master npm link!</h1>
<div class="command-display">npm link</div>
<p>Link packages for local development! 🚀</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="container">
<!-- What Is It -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">🤔 What Is npm link?</h2>
<div class="card">
<p style="font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<code>npm link</code> creates a <span class="highlight">symbolic link (symlink)</span> between your local package and another project - letting you test changes in real-time without publishing! 🔗
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
Think of it like a magical portal! 🌀 Instead of copying files back and forth or publishing to npm every time you make a change, npm link creates a direct connection between your package and the project using it. Change code in your package → instantly see changes in your project!
</p>
<div class="info">
<strong>Breaking It Down:</strong>
<ul style="margin-left: 30px; margin-top: 10px; line-height: 2;">
<li><code class="code-npm">npm</code> - Node Package Manager</li>
<li><code class="code-link">link</code> - Create symbolic link</li>
<li>Links package globally first</li>
<li>Then links from project to global</li>
<li>Changes sync instantly!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="margin-top: 30px;">
<h3 style="color: var(--accent-pink); margin-bottom: 15px;">What's a Symlink? 🔍</h3>
<p>A symbolic link (symlink) is like a shortcut or portal that points to another location. Instead of copying files, it creates a reference. When you access the link, you're actually accessing the original files - so changes appear instantly!</p>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Visual Diagram -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">📊 How Linking Works</h2>
<div class="card">
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: center;">The Link Chain! 🔗</h3>
<div class="link-diagram">
<div class="diagram-box">
<div style="font-size: 3rem; margin-bottom: 10px;">📦</div>
<h4 style="color: var(--accent-purple);">Your Package</h4>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary); font-size: 0.9rem;">my-awesome-lib/</p>
</div>
<div class="diagram-arrow">→</div>
<div class="diagram-box">
<div style="font-size: 3rem; margin-bottom: 10px;">🌐</div>
<h4 style="color: var(--accent-purple);">Global npm</h4>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary); font-size: 0.9rem;">npm link</p>
</div>
<div class="diagram-arrow">→</div>
<div class="diagram-box">
<div style="font-size: 3rem; margin-bottom: 10px;">🎯</div>
<h4 style="color: var(--accent-purple);">Your Project</h4>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary); font-size: 0.9rem;">npm link my-awesome-lib</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="success" style="margin-top: 30px;">
<strong>Result:</strong> Changes in your package instantly appear in your project!
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Why Use It -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">✨ Why Use npm link?</h2>
<div class="card">
<div class="feature-grid">
<div class="feature-card">
<div class="feature-icon">⚡</div>
<div class="feature-title">Instant Updates</div>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary);">See changes live!</p>
</div>
<div class="feature-card">
<div class="feature-icon">🔄</div>
<div class="feature-title">No Publishing</div>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary);">Test before publish!</p>
</div>
<div class="feature-card">
<div class="feature-icon">🧪</div>
<div class="feature-title">Local Testing</div>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary);">Real environment!</p>
</div>
<div class="feature-card">
<div class="feature-icon">🚀</div>
<div class="feature-title">Fast Iteration</div>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary);">Quick development!</p>
</div>
<div class="feature-card">
<div class="feature-icon">🎯</div>
<div class="feature-title">Multiple Projects</div>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary);">Link to many!</p>
</div>
<div class="feature-card">
<div class="feature-icon">💾</div>
<div class="feature-title">No Copies</div>
<p style="color: var(--text-secondary);">One source!</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- How It Works -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">⚙️ How Does It Work?</h2>
<div class="card">
<div class="steps">
<div class="step">
<h3>Step 1: Go to Your Package</h3>
<p>Navigate to the package you're developing.</p>
</div>
<div class="step">
<h3>Step 2: Run npm link</h3>
<p>Creates global symlink to this package.</p>
</div>
<div class="step">
<h3>Step 3: Go to Your Project</h3>
<p>Navigate to the project that uses your package.</p>
</div>
<div class="step">
<h3>Step 4: Link the Package</h3>
<p>Run npm link package-name to connect.</p>
</div>
<div class="step">
<h3>Step 5: Develop!</h3>
<p>Changes in package appear instantly in project.</p>
</div>
<div class="step">
<h3>Step 6: Unlink When Done</h3>
<p>Clean up with npm unlink! 🎉</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Live Demo -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">🎮 Interactive Demo</h2>
<div class="demo-container">
<div style="margin-bottom: 30px; text-align: center;">
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 15px;">See npm link in Action! 🔗</h4>
<button class="demo-button" onclick="simulateLink()">
<span>🔗</span>
<span>Create Link</span>
</button>
<button class="demo-button" onclick="simulateUse()">
<span>🎯</span>
<span>Use Linked Package</span>
</button>
<button class="demo-button" onclick="simulateUnlink()">
<span>🔓</span>
<span>Unlink</span>
</button>
</div>
<div class="terminal" id="terminal">
<div class="terminal-line">
<span class="terminal-prompt">$</span>
<span style="color: var(--text-secondary);"> Ready to link packages...</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Code Breakdown -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">💻 Usage Examples</h2>
<div class="card">
<div class="tabs">
<button class="tab active" onclick="switchTab('basic')">Basic Workflow</button>
<button class="tab" onclick="switchTab('multiple')">Multiple Projects</button>
<button class="tab" onclick="switchTab('monorepo')">Monorepo</button>
<button class="tab" onclick="switchTab('troubleshoot')">Troubleshooting</button>
</div>
<div id="basic" class="tab-content active">
<h3 style="color: var(--accent-pink); margin-bottom: 15px;">Basic Workflow</h3>
<div class="code-block">
<div class="code-header">
<div class="terminal-dots">
<div class="terminal-dot dot-red"></div>
<div class="terminal-dot dot-yellow"></div>
<div class="terminal-dot dot-green"></div>
</div>
<button class="copy-btn" onclick="copyCode('basic-code')">📋 Copy</button>
</div>
<pre><code id="basic-code"><span class="code-comment"># Step 1: In your package directory</span>
cd ~/projects/my-awesome-lib
npm link
<span class="code-comment"># Creates global symlink</span>
<span class="code-comment"># Step 2: In your project directory</span>
cd ~/projects/my-app
npm link my-awesome-lib
<span class="code-comment"># Links to the global symlink</span>
<span class="code-comment"># Now you can develop!</span>
<span class="code-comment"># Edit files in my-awesome-lib/</span>
<span class="code-comment"># Changes appear instantly in my-app/</span>
<span class="code-comment"># When done, unlink:</span>
npm unlink my-awesome-lib
<span class="code-comment"># In the package directory:</span>
cd ~/projects/my-awesome-lib
npm unlink</code></pre>
</div>
<div class="success" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Result:</strong> Live development without publishing!
</div>
</div>
<div id="multiple" class="tab-content">
<h3 style="color: var(--accent-pink); margin-bottom: 15px;">Link to Multiple Projects</h3>
<div class="code-block">
<div class="code-header">
<div class="terminal-dots">
<div class="terminal-dot dot-red"></div>
<div class="terminal-dot dot-yellow"></div>
<div class="terminal-dot dot-green"></div>
</div>
<button class="copy-btn" onclick="copyCode('multiple-code')">📋 Copy</button>
</div>
<pre><code id="multiple-code"><span class="code-comment"># Create global link once</span>
cd ~/projects/my-lib
npm link
<span class="code-comment"># Link to first project</span>
cd ~/projects/project-a
npm link my-lib
<span class="code-comment"># Link to second project</span>
cd ~/projects/project-b
npm link my-lib
<span class="code-comment"># Link to third project</span>
cd ~/projects/project-c
npm link my-lib
<span class="code-comment"># Now all three projects use the same linked package!</span>
<span class="code-comment"># One change → updates everywhere!</span>
<span class="code-comment"># Check where package is linked</span>
npm ls -g --depth=0 --link=true</code></pre>
</div>
<div class="tip" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong> One global link works for unlimited projects!
</div>
</div>
<div id="monorepo" class="tab-content">
<h3 style="color: var(--accent-pink); margin-bottom: 15px;">Monorepo Workflow</h3>
<div class="code-block">
<div class="code-header">
<div class="terminal-dots">
<div class="terminal-dot dot-red"></div>
<div class="terminal-dot dot-yellow"></div>
<div class="terminal-dot dot-green"></div>
</div>
<button class="copy-btn" onclick="copyCode('monorepo-code')">📋 Copy</button>
</div>
<pre><code id="monorepo-code"><span class="code-comment"># Monorepo structure:</span>
<span class="code-comment"># /monorepo</span>
<span class="code-comment"># /packages</span>
<span class="code-comment"># /lib-a</span>
<span class="code-comment"># /lib-b</span>
<span class="code-comment"># /apps</span>
<span class="code-comment"># /app-1</span>
<span class="code-comment"># Link lib-a</span>
cd packages/lib-a
npm link
<span class="code-comment"># Link lib-b</span>
cd ../lib-b
npm link
<span class="code-comment"># Use in app-1</span>
cd ../../apps/app-1
npm link lib-a
npm link lib-b
<span class="code-comment"># Alternative: Use workspaces (better for monorepos)</span>
<span class="code-comment"># package.json at root:</span>
{
<span class="code-string">"workspaces"</span>: [
<span class="code-string">"packages/*"</span>,
<span class="code-string">"apps/*"</span>
]
}
<span class="code-comment"># npm automatically links workspace packages!</span></code></pre>
</div>
</div>
<div id="troubleshoot" class="tab-content">
<h3 style="color: var(--accent-pink); margin-bottom: 15px;">Troubleshooting</h3>
<div class="code-block">
<div class="code-header">
<div class="terminal-dots">
<div class="terminal-dot dot-red"></div>
<div class="terminal-dot dot-yellow"></div>
<div class="terminal-dot dot-green"></div>
</div>
<button class="copy-btn" onclick="copyCode('troubleshoot-code')">📋 Copy</button>
</div>
<pre><code id="troubleshoot-code"><span class="code-comment"># Check if package is linked</span>
npm ls -g --depth=0 --link=true
<span class="code-comment"># See where global packages are</span>
npm root -g
<span class="code-comment"># Force unlink everything</span>
npm unlink --no-save my-lib
cd ~/projects/my-lib
npm unlink
<span class="code-comment"># If link is broken, reinstall normally</span>
npm install my-lib
<span class="code-comment"># Clear npm cache if issues persist</span>
npm cache clean --force
<span class="code-comment"># Check symlink status (Unix/Mac)</span>
ls -la node_modules/ | grep my-lib
<span class="code-comment"># Windows: check symlink</span>
dir node_modules\my-lib
<span class="code-comment"># Rebuild native modules after linking</span>
npm rebuild</code></pre>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Common Mistakes -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">❌ Common Mistakes</h2>
<div class="card">
<div class="accordion">
<div class="accordion-item">
<div class="accordion-header" onclick="toggleAccordion(this)">
<span><strong>1. Forgetting to npm link in Package First</strong></span>
<span class="accordion-icon">▼</span>
</div>
<div class="accordion-content">
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="warning">
<strong>Problem:</strong> Running npm link package-name without creating global link first
</div>
<div class="success" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Solution:</strong> Always run <code>npm link</code> in the package directory FIRST!
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion-item">
<div class="accordion-header" onclick="toggleAccordion(this)">
<span><strong>2. Not Unlinking Before Publishing</strong></span>
<span class="accordion-icon">▼</span>
</div>
<div class="accordion-content">
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="warning">
<strong>Problem:</strong> Leaving links active can cause confusion
</div>
<div class="success" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Solution:</strong> Always unlink and npm install the real package before publishing!
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion-item">
<div class="accordion-header" onclick="toggleAccordion(this)">
<span><strong>3. Wrong Package Name</strong></span>
<span class="accordion-icon">▼</span>
</div>
<div class="accordion-content">
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="warning">
<strong>Problem:</strong> Using folder name instead of package.json "name"
</div>
<div class="success" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Solution:</strong> Use the exact name from package.json, not the folder name!
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="accordion-item">
<div class="accordion-header" onclick="toggleAccordion(this)">
<span><strong>4. Peer Dependency Issues</strong></span>
<span class="accordion-icon">▼</span>
</div>
<div class="accordion-content">
<div class="accordion-body">
<div class="warning">
<strong>Problem:</strong> Linked package has different dependency versions
</div>
<div class="success" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Solution:</strong> Ensure both package and project have compatible dependencies!
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Pro Tips -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">🚀 Pro Tips</h2>
<div class="card">
<div class="tip">
<strong>Always unlink when done</strong> - Clean up links to avoid confusion later!
</div>
<div class="tip">
<strong>Use with watch mode</strong> - Combine with nodemon or webpack watch for hot reload!
</div>
<div class="tip">
<strong>Check link status</strong> - Use <code>npm ls -g --link=true</code> to see active links!
</div>
<div class="tip">
<strong>Monorepo alternative</strong> - Consider npm workspaces or yarn workspaces instead!
</div>
<div class="tip">
<strong>Build before linking</strong> - If using TypeScript/bundler, build first!
</div>
<div class="tip">
<strong>Document links</strong> - Add README note about which packages are linked!
</div>
<div class="tip">
<strong>CI/CD caution</strong> - Never use npm link in CI/CD - use real packages!
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Quiz -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">🎯 Knowledge Check Quiz</h2>
<div class="quiz-container">
<p style="margin-bottom: 30px; font-size: 1.1rem;">Test your understanding! 🧠</p>
<div class="quiz-question">
<h3>Question 1: What does npm link create?</h3>
<div class="quiz-options">
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, false, 1)">A) A copy of the package</div>
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, true, 1)">B) A symbolic link (symlink)</div>
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, false, 1)">C) A zip file</div>
</div>
<div class="quiz-feedback" id="feedback1"></div>
</div>
<div class="quiz-question">
<h3>Question 2: What's the correct order?</h3>
<div class="quiz-options">
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, false, 2)">A) npm link package-name, then npm link</div>
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, true, 2)">B) npm link in package, then npm link package-name in project</div>
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, false, 2)">C) npm install, then npm link</div>
</div>
<div class="quiz-feedback" id="feedback2"></div>
</div>
<div class="quiz-question">
<h3>Question 3: When should you use npm link?</h3>
<div class="quiz-options">
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, false, 3)">A) In production deployments</div>
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, true, 3)">B) During local development and testing</div>
<div class="quiz-option" onclick="checkAnswer(this, false, 3)">C) After publishing to npm</div>
</div>
<div class="quiz-feedback" id="feedback3"></div>
</div>
<div id="quizScore" style="margin-top: 30px; padding: 20px; background: var(--bg-secondary); border-radius: 12px; display: none;">
<h3 style="color: var(--accent-green); font-size: 1.5rem;">🎉 Quiz Complete!</h3>
<p id="scoreText" style="font-size: 1.2rem; margin-top: 10px;"></p>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Summary Card -->
<section class="section">
<h2 class="section-title">📚 Quick Reference</h2>
<div class="cheat-sheet">
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 2rem;">npm link Cheat Sheet! 🔖</h3>
<div class="cheat-grid">
<div class="cheat-item">
<h4>🔗 Create Link</h4>
<p><code>npm link</code></p>
<p style="font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 5px;">In package dir</p>
</div>
<div class="cheat-item">
<h4>🎯 Use Link</h4>
<p><code>npm link package-name</code></p>
<p style="font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 5px;">In project dir</p>
</div>
<div class="cheat-item">
<h4>🔓 Unlink</h4>
<p><code>npm unlink package-name</code></p>
<p style="font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 5px;">Remove link</p>
</div>
<div class="cheat-item">
<h4>🔍 Check Links</h4>
<p><code>npm ls -g --link=true</code></p>
<p style="font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 5px;">See active links</p>
</div>
<div class="cheat-item">
<h4>⚡ Purpose</h4>
<p>Local development</p>
<p style="font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 5px;">Instant updates</p>
</div>
<div class="cheat-item">
<h4>🎯 Use Case</h4>
<p>Test before publish</p>
<p style="font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 5px;">Multi-project dev</p>
</div>
<div class="cheat-item">
<h4>✅ Benefits</h4>
<p>No publishing needed</p>
<p style="font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 5px;">Real-time changes</p>
</div>
<div class="cheat-item">
<h4>⚠️ Remember</h4>
<p>Unlink when done</p>
<p style="font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 5px;">Dev only!</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Footer -->
<div class="footer">
<h2 style="font-size: 2rem; margin-bottom: 20px; color: var(--accent-pink);">🎉 Congratulations!</h2>
<p style="font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 20px;">You now understand <strong>npm link</strong>! 🚀</p>
<div style="margin: 30px 0;">
<span class="badge">🔗 Link Master</span>
<span class="badge">⚡ Dev Pro</span>
<span class="badge">🚀 npm Expert</span>
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<p style="color: var(--text-secondary); font-size: 0.9rem;">Made with ❤️ for developers learning npm</p>
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