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I am trying to avoid installing common Node packages redundantly for each user. I would like to install certain common Node packages globally. However, on Arch Linux, I encounter permissions issues.

npm install [package] -g

fails with message:

Missing write access to /usr/lib/node_modules

This succeeds:

sudo npm install [package] -g

However, then we get errors like this when a regular user tries to use the package:

Error: EACCES: permission denied, open '/usr/lib/node_modules/[package]/lib/[file].js'

What is the right way to do this, assuming we are required to install some packages globally. EDIT: see the reason for the requirements here.

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  • My recommendation: Don't. I tried, and it breaks horribly over time when dependency hell rears its ugly head. After that experience, I always install packages per repository. Even if it means wasting disk space, and having to cleanup node_modules from time to time. Commented Dec 25, 2019 at 9:46
  • I now realize I did not ask the question I needed to ask. Therefore, I created a new (hopefully better) question here: stackoverflow.com/questions/59481432/… Commented Dec 25, 2019 at 19:55

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In general all packages should be installed locally. This ensures you can have multiple applications running on different versions (like needed) of the same package. A global package-update might unleash hell in terms of broken dependencies and compatibility.

Do a global install when a package provides an executable command you want to run from the shell.

BUT if there is an already globally installed package you want to use in development: use npm link <global-package>. This will create a local link to that package (working only with npm >= 1.0 and with an OS supporting symlinks).

For further information read:

  1. npm-1-0-global-vs-local-installation
  2. npm-1-0-link
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  • Good answer, but it doesn't answer my intended question. I now realize I did not ask the question well. Therefore, I created a new (hopefully better) question here: stackoverflow.com/questions/59481432/… Commented Dec 25, 2019 at 19:54

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