angular2 中的 package.json 是否需要以任何方式启动应用程序？

Question

As I've read in numerous sources, package.json does not affect the start up of the angular2 application or any other applications (React.js app for example).Basically, package.json just provides information (also called as metadata which help developers to know what they have in their application, some kind of summary for the entire application nodules?

Is this correct what I've written?

I've tried to erase some lines and run the application without the entire package.json and the app starts successfully.

In react we had the webpack.config.js but I'm aware that in angular this is hidden and is not meant to be modified. However I feel more comfortable when seeing a file which is connected to the app build procedure rather than the background scene doing it for me (like in angular).

Can someone please elaborate and confirm if the above thesis are all correct?

Answer 1

package.json file is required. It contain all the dependency(Dependency, DevDependency and peerDependency) with version for the angular project.

When you run npm install command then it will install all the node_modules listed under package.json. So you need to transfer code from one PC to other PC then no need to transfer all node_modules you just need proper package.json file and run npm install command.

Once you install all the dependency in your PC then application will start if you do any changes in this file.

Answer 2

It highly depends on the setup.

• The package.json file is used in combination with the npm package manager . It is used to list all dependencies of a project and also allows to run (simple) scripts .
• Webpack is a module bundler.
• React and Angular are JavaScript frameworks.

Neither Angular nor React require you to use a package.json or Webpack.

As I've read in numerous sources, package.json does not affect the start up of the angular2 application or any other applications (React.js app for example).

It depends. If you use npm scripts or your build process requires the package.json file, then it is required. Otherwise it is optional. Note, however, that using it is a best-practice in frontend and Node.js projects.

Basically, package.json just provides information (also called as metadata which help developers to know what they have in their application, some kind of summary for the entire application nodules?

This is correct. The package.json file is also used when you want to publish your project to the npm package repository.

In react we had the webpack.config.js but I'm aware that in angular this is hidden and is not meant to be modified.

When you mention that the build process is "hidden" in Angular, I guess you are referring to the Angular CLI . You are correct, that Angular CLI uses Webpack behind the scenes. However, using the Angular CLI in an Angular project is completely optional and you can create your own build configuration.

Answer 3

package.json initially is used to define a nodejs package, which can be then submitted to the npm and be installed by other people. It describe the basic info like name, version and dependency. Now you understand, your "project" is actually a package in a way, which needs dependency of course. It's like the requirement.txt in django project, can be used to store the dependency of this project, and to quickly build up the dev environment in case you change machine.