npm ci vs npm install Cheat Sheet

Predictable installs for CI

Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Focus Areas

Focus
Prefer `npm ci` in automation
Run `npm install` when dependency changes

Commands & Queries

npm ci
Clean install
npm install lodash
Add dependency
npm audit
Check vulnerabilities

Summary

CI builds stay fast and deterministic with `npm ci`.

💡 Pro Tip: Ensure package-lock is committed for `npm ci` to work.
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