**Course Title:** Build and Package Management in Modern Development **Section Title:** Package Management Basics **Topic:** Install and manage packages using a chosen package manager (e.g., npm, pip).(Lab topic) **Introduction:** In this lab topic, we will explore the process of installing and managing packages using a chosen package manager. We will focus on two popular package managers: npm (Node Package Manager) and pip (Python Package Manager). By the end of this topic, you will have hands-on experience with installing and managing packages using a package manager. **Installing Packages with npm:** npm is the default package manager for the Node.js ecosystem. To install a package using npm, follow these steps: 1. **Create a new project:** Create a new Node.js project using your preferred method (e.g., using the `npm init` command). 2. **Search for a package:** Use the `npm search` command to find a package you want to install. For example, to search for the `express` package, use the following command: ```bash npm search express ``` 3. **Install a package:** Once you have found the package you want to install, use the `npm install` command followed by the package name. For example, to install the `express` package, use the following command: ```bash npm install express ``` 4. **Save the package as a dependency:** Use the `--save` flag to save the package as a dependency in your project's `package.json` file. For example: ```bash npm install express --save ``` **Installing Packages with pip:** pip is the default package manager for the Python ecosystem. To install a package using pip, follow these steps: 1. **Open a terminal or command prompt:** Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to your project directory. 2. **Search for a package:** Use the `pip search` command to find a package you want to install. For example, to search for the `requests` package, use the following command: ```bash pip search requests ``` 3. **Install a package:** Once you have found the package you want to install, use the `pip install` command followed by the package name. For example, to install the `requests` package, use the following command: ```bash pip install requests ``` **Managing Packages:** Once you have installed packages using a package manager, you can manage them by: * **Listing installed packages:** Use the `npm list` or `pip list` commands to list all installed packages. * **Updating packages:** Use the `npm update` or `pip install --upgrade` commands to update packages to the latest version. * **Uninstalling packages:** Use the `npm uninstall` or `pip uninstall` commands to uninstall packages. **Example Use Case:** Suppose you are developing a Node.js web application using the Express.js framework. You need to install the `express` package and its dependencies. You can use npm to install the package and manage its dependencies. ```bash npm install express --save ``` **Key Concepts:** * **Package manager:** A software tool that installs, updates, and manages packages (libraries or frameworks) for a programming language or ecosystem. * **Dependency:** A package that is required by another package. * **DevDependency:** A package that is required for development purposes only. * **Package file:** A file that contains metadata about a package, including its name, version, and dependencies. **Practical Takeaways:** * Use a package manager to install and manage packages for your programming language or ecosystem. * Understand the syntax and commands for installing, updating, and uninstalling packages. * Use the `--save` flag to save packages as dependencies in your project's `package.json` file. **External Resources:** * [npm Documentation](https://docs.npmjs.com/) * [pip Documentation](https://pip.pypa.io/en/stable/) Do you have any questions about this topic? Feel free to ask below. Next topic: 'Understanding npm and Yarn: Key Features and Differences'