npm cache clean - How to Clear the Cache in NPM ?
Last Updated :
17 Apr, 2024
Clearing the cache in NPM (Node Package Manager) is very important. It helps to resolve various issues and ensures smooth functioning of the Node.js projects. The NPM cache stores downloaded packages and their metadata, which can sometimes become corrupted or outdated, leading to installation problems, dependency conflicts, or other issues.
Why Clear the NPM Cache?
Clearing the NPM cache is like giving your computer a fresh start when it comes to managing and installing packages for your Node.js projects. It helps ensure that you're working with the latest versions of packages, resolves potential issues caused by corrupted or outdated cached files, and frees up disk space.
- Resolve Installation Issues: Sometimes, the cached files in NPM can become corrupted or outdated, causing errors during package installation or updates. Clearing the cache can help resolve these issues by forcing NPM to download fresh copies of the packages and their metadata.
- Ensure Latest Versions: When you install a package, NPM downloads the specified version and caches it locally. If a newer version of the package is released, NPM might not update the cached version automatically. Clearing the cache ensures that you get the latest available version when you install or update packages.
- Free Up Disk Space: Over time, the NPM cache can grow in size, especially if you work on multiple projects or install a large number of packages. Clearing the cache can free up valuable disk space by removing unused or outdated cached files.
- Troubleshoot Issues: If you're experiencing strange behavior or errors in your Node.js application that might be related to package dependencies, clearing the cache can sometimes help resolve those issues by ensuring that you're working with fresh copies of the packages.
How to Clear the Cache in NPM ?
Clearing the NPM cache is like giving your computer a fresh start when it comes to managing and installing packages for your Node.js projects. It helps ensure that you're working with the latest versions of packages, resolves potential issues caused by old or corrupted cached files, and frees up disk space.
To delete all data from the cache folder on Linux, macOS, and Windows, you can use the following command in your terminal.
Command :
npm cache clean --force
Output :

After running this command, you can check if the cache has been successfully cleared by running the following command.
Command :
npm cache verify
Output :

How to Clear the NPM cache in React / React Native projects ?
The React framework makes it easy to develop applications by using special techniques called caching mechanisms. These mechanisms help to reduce the time it takes to reload and recompile your application's code when you make changes.
However, sometimes these caching mechanisms can get stuck and don't pick up the latest updates you've made to your code or to the packages (libraries) your application depends on.
To fix this issue, you can restart your React Native application with a fresh, clean cache by running this following command.
Command :
npm start -- --reset-cache
The -- part is used to pass the --reset-cache option to the command that the npm start script runs.
Output :

If that command doesn't work, you can try these steps. Clear the list of files and directories that the watchman tool is monitoring.
Command :
watchman watch-del-all
Remove the cache directories created by React Native and Metro (a tool used by React Native).
Command :
rm -rf $TMPDIR/react-native-packager-cache-*
rm -rf $TMPDIR/metro-bundler-cache-*
Remove the node_modules folder (where your project's packages are installed), clear the npm cache, and then reinstall all the packages.
Command :
rm -rf node_modules
npm cache clean --force
npm install
Clearing the cache and reinstalling packages can help resolve issues where your application isn't picking up the latest changes you've made to your code or to the packages your application uses. It's like giving your project environment a new start, so it can load everything correctly.
Conclusion
Clearing the cache is particularly useful when you encounter installation errors, dependency conflicts, or outdated package versions. It's generally a good practice to clear the cache periodically or whenever you encounter issues related to package installation or management.
By keeping your NPM cache clean, you can ensure a smooth development experience and avoid potential problems caused by cached files that may be causing conflicts or issues in your Node.js projects.
Similar Reads
How to Clear the NPM Cache on Linux, macOS, and Windows ?
Are you experiencing sluggishness or inconsistencies in your React or React Native projects? It could be due to caching issues within npm, the Node Package Manager. In this article, we'll explore why clearing the npm cache is important, how it impacts React and React Native development, and provide
3 min read
How to clear cache on a Mac
In the fast-paced world of technology, our trusty Mac computers can sometimes start to slow down and behave a bit sluggish. If you've ever experienced the frustration of a Mac that seems to be running as if it's stuck in quicksand, fear not â you're not alone. The culprit, more often than not, is a
10 min read
How to Access Cache Data in Node.js ?
Caching is an essential technique in software development that helps improve application performance and scalability by temporarily storing frequently accessed data. In Node.js, caching can significantly reduce database load, minimize API response times, and optimize resource utilization. This artic
5 min read
How to solve npm error npm ERR! code ELIFECYCLE ?
In order to solve the "npm ERR! code ELIFECYCLE " error which is a very common type of error that occurs during npm operation on our command prompt or terminal such as installing npm or an npm package, follow the steps given below : Terminal output of the error : Fixing common NPM errors like npm ER
2 min read
How to clear the Cache in WordPress ?
If you are new to WordPress, learning how to clear your cache is an essential skill. Clearing your cache involves removing outdated data and content from your website's temporary storage, ensuring that you and your visitors see the most up-to-date information. Why Clear Your Cache in WordPress?When
3 min read
How to Clear Browser Cache on Chrome?
Clearing the browser cache in Chrome can significantly improve your browsing experience by speeding up your browser and resolving various issues. Whether you're encountering loading problems or simply performing routine maintenance, knowing how to clear your browser cache on Chrome is essential. Thi
3 min read
How To Clear Browser Cache On iPhone?
One regular maintenance tip to keep your iPhone functioning well is to clear the browser cache. Your browser's cache may contain JavaScript, pictures, and temporary data from websites you visit to accelerate loading times. But with time, this cache could fill up and cause storage problems and out-of
3 min read
How to Flush the DNS Cache in Linux?
Are you facing domain resolution issues, or are the websites you're trying to browse not loading fast enough? Well, flushing the DNS cache in Linux can be a fast and effective solution. The DNS cache stores the IP addresses of all the websites you browse and over a period of time, this data becomes
7 min read
How to clear complete cache data in ReactJS ?
Caching is a technique that helps us to store a copy of a given resource in our browser and serve it back when requested. There is no direct option to clear the cache as it is a client-side feature managed by the browser. To clear the complete cache in React JS we can use JavaScipt's cache storage A
2 min read
How to clear the Firefox Cache?
Clearing the cache in your web browser can significantly improve its performance and help resolve various browsing issues. If you're using Firefox, knowing how to clear the Firefox cache is essential for maintaining optimal browsing speed and functionality. This article will walk you through the ste
3 min read