Difference between tilde ( ~ ) and caret ( ^ ) in package.json
Last Updated :
21 Jun, 2025
In package.json, dependency versions can be specified using special symbols like tilde (~) and caret (^), which define how npm handles updates. Tilde allows only patch updates, while caret permits both minor and patch updates within the same major version.
// package-name: Major.Minor.Patch
"express": "~4.16.3" // tilde for patch updates
"express": "^4.16.3" // caret for flexible updates
Difference between tilde (~) and caret (^) in package.json
Here is a detailed comparison of tilde ( ~ ) and caret ( ^ ) based on various features:
Tilde (~) notation | Caret (^) notation |
|---|
| Allows only patch-level updates, meaning it updates only the last digit. | Allows both minor and patch-level updates, updating the middle and last digits. |
Locks the minor version, so the middle version number cannot change. | Locks the major version, so the first digit remains fixed. |
Updates versions from the specified patch up to, but not including, next minor version | Updates versions from the specified version up to, but not including, the next major version. |
More restrictive, providing higher stability by limiting updates. | More flexible, allowing new features and improvements within the same major version |
Preferred when maximum stability and minimal changes are required. | Preferred when you want to keep dependencies up-to-date with new features. |
Avoids minor version changes that could introduce new functionality | Accepts backward-compatible minor version changes that add features. |
Reduces risk of unexpected behavior caused by dependency updates. | Balances risk by allowing updates that should maintain backward compatibility. |
Commonly used in libraries to ensure predictable dependency versions. | Commonly used in applications to benefit from latest minor updates. |
Focuses on bug fixes and security patches without adding features. | Includes new features along with bug fixes in updates. |
Results in smaller update ranges and less frequent version changes | Results in larger update ranges and potentially more frequent updates. |
What is Tilde (~) in package.json?
The tilde (~) is a version range specifier used in package.json to allow patch updates within a specific minor version. It tells npm to install the highest patch version that matches the major and minor version specified.
Features of Tilde (~)
- Patch updates only: Updates are limited to patch versions (x.y.Z), meaning only bug fixes and minor improvements that don’t introduce new features or breaking changes.
- Minor version locked: The minor version number (y in x.y.z) remains fixed.
- Stable updates: Ensures dependency updates are safe and don’t unexpectedly introduce new functionality or changes.
- Semantic Versioning (SemVer) compliant: Works according to SemVer rules, focusing on patch-level changes.
Use Cases of Tilde (~)
- Projects requiring maximum stability and minimal change risk.
- Libraries or modules where backward compatibility and predictable updates are critical.
- Scenarios where patch updates are encouraged but minor or major updates could cause issues.
- Maintaining older projects where dependency behavior should remain consistent over time.
Note: Patch updates are very small security changes in a package that is why the ~version is approximately equivalent to the version.
What is Caret (^) in package.json?
The caret (^) is the default version range specifier used in package.json by npm. It allows both minor and patch updates but locks the major version number. This means that npm can update to newer versions that introduce backward-compatible features and bug fixes, but not major breaking changes.
Features of Caret (^)
- Minor and patch updates allowed: Enables npm to update to newer minor versions (x.Y.z), including both new features and fixes.
- Major version locked: Ensures no breaking changes from new major releases are installed.
- Default behavior: When you install a package without specifying a range, npm uses the caret by default.
- Balances stability and improvements: Encourages keeping dependencies up to date without major refactoring.
Use Cases of Caret (^)
- Most modern JavaScript projects and applications where it is beneficial to get new features and fixes.
- Projects that trust SemVer compliance of dependencies to avoid breaking changes in minor releases.
- When continuous improvements without full dependency locking are preferred.
- Developers who want to avoid manual dependency updates but still keep the project relatively current.
Conclusion
Choosing between tilde (~) and caret (^) in package.json depends on your project’s update strategy and stability needs. The tilde offers tighter control by allowing only patch updates, making it ideal for projects requiring maximum stability. The caret, being more flexible, permits both minor and patch updates within the same major version, helping projects stay up-to-date with new features while minimizing the risk of breaking changes.
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