Yarn and npm are both package managers for JavaScript, but they have differences in features and use cases. Here’s a comparison to help decide when to use Yarn over npm:
When to Use Yarn Over npm
1. Faster Installations: Yarn uses parallel installation, making it faster than npm for large projects.
2. Offline Mode: Yarn allows you to install packages without an internet connection if they are already cached.
3. Workspaces: Yarn’s workspaces make managing monorepos easier, allowing you to share dependencies across multiple projects.
4. Deterministic Installs: Yarn creates a yarn.lock file to ensure the exact same package versions are installed across all environments.
5. Better Dependency Management: Yarn often has better handling of conflicts and resolutions compared to npm.
Key Differences
Use npm When
You prefer simplicity or are working on smaller projects.
You need default features without additional tools.
You’re using npm 7+, which has added features like workspaces.
Both tools are effective, but Yarn is often preferred for large projects and monorepos.