NPM Skills for PHP Developers

NPM (Node Package Manager) is an indispensable tool for modern PHP developers, especially in full-stack roles. As the default package manager for the Node.js JavaScript runtime, NPM is used to manage all frontend dependencies, build tools, and scripts required for a contemporary web application.

How NPM is Used in PHP Development

While Composer manages backend PHP packages, NPM handles the frontend ecosystem. A typical PHP project will include a package.json file that lists JavaScript libraries (like Vue.js or React), CSS frameworks (like Tailwind CSS), and development tools (like Vite or Webpack). Developers use NPM to install these dependencies and run scripts that compile, minify, and bundle assets for production.

Essential NPM Commands

A PHP developer working in a modern stack should be proficient with core NPM commands to manage the frontend workflow efficiently. Key commands include:

• npm install: Installs all dependencies listed in the package.json file.
• npm install [package-name]: Adds a new package to the project.
• npm run dev: Executes a development script, often to watch files for changes.
• npm run build: Runs a production build script to compile and optimize frontend assets.