Why all files of my npm package are installed in node_modules?

Question

Here is what I have in node_modules when I install my package:

Even though I am using this files field in package.json:

"files": [
    "./dist"
  ]

Why is that?

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 23 '21 at 23:14

2

Maybe you misunderstood what the files field does:

The files field is used to define files that should be imported alongside your library when another project install your project as a npm package.

answered Jan 23 '21 at 23:14

Mário Garcia

1

Exactly. I created a package and now testing its locally as written on [npm](https://docs.npmjs.com/creating-and-publishing-scoped-public-packages#testing-your-package) and when i open my installed package inside node_modules it has all sourse files instead of heaving only **dist**, **license** and **readme** despite i have **files** field in package.json – raury Jan 24 '21 at 09:46

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 23 '21 at 23:26

0

Thats how module works.if you don't like node_modules folder try Yarn2 . Same thing.but different module folder name.

answered Jan 23 '21 at 23:26

masterbrian99

score -2 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 23 '21 at 22:32

Thats how npm works. All yours external dependencies will be downloaded to node_modules.

3 Answers3