how to change the code of other modules in nodejs

Question

For example.I installed a module in the node_modules. if i change that module, updating node_module will update all modules.What is the usual practice

Answer 1

Look into patch-package

In summary, you install the package and add a postinstall script to your package.json file that calls patch-package:

"scripts": {
   "postinstall": "patch-package"
 }

Modify the package directly in /node_modules and then call patch-package on the package you just modified:

npx patch-package <package_name>

This will create a local directory called /patches with a diff (or patch) file inside for that package. Commit that folder in with your repo.

Now whenever you run npm install , the postinstall script will also run and apply the /patches that you committed to that package

Answer 2

First, We call it Package instead of Module , Why? because search results on Google are much more accurate when you use that word

Second, to update a specific package use npm update {package name}

Third, you don't change the code of other packages, you can only either install , update , or delete the package. there's this option to override it but it's only possible if the package owner allows overrides.

Update

I decided to update my answer due to the discussion below.

since I have put in mind that you are a beginner and are not entirely sure how to update code or override package code, or maybe even if it's a good idea to change package code, I have given you an unclear answer.

and since the other answer are telling you to use patch-package then I'm here to tell you that you can fork that package. and install that package from your fork. here's how you do it