If you're new to JavaScript development, the whole package manager thing can feel overwhelming. Like, why do we need four different ways to do the same thing? I get it. Let me break this down for you.
What's a Package Manager Anyway?
Think of a package manager like an app store for your code.
When you’re building a JavaScript project and need someone else’s code - React, Express, Lodash, whatever - a package manager:
Downloads it
Keeps track of versions
Make sure your project behaves the same on every machine
npm (The OG)
npm stands for Node Package Manager. It’s been around since 2010 and comes bundled with Node.js. If you’ve installed Node, you already have npm.
Basic usage:
# Install a package
npm install express
# Install all dependencies from package.json
npm install
# Run a script
npm run startReal talk: npm works for most people. It can be slow at times, but it’s stable, predictable, and everyone knows how to use it.
npm is the default choice - and defaults exist for a reason.
Yarn (The Facebook Fix)
Back in 2016, Facebook (now Meta) got tired of npm being slow and inconsistent. So they built Yarn.
It aimed to be faster, safer, and more reliable.
# Install Yarn (one-time setup)
npm install -g yarn
# Install a package
yarn add express
# Install all dependencies
yarn install
# Run a script
yarn startReal talk: Yarn is faster than npm, especially in large projects. The commands feel cleaner too - no need to type run every time.
That said, Yarn 2+ introduced changes that confused a lot of teams, so adoption slowed a bit.
pnpm (The Space Saver)
pnpm stands for performant npm, and it does things differently.
Instead of copying the same packages into every project, pnpm shares dependencies globally and links them where needed. Less duplication, less wasted space.
# Install pnpm
npm install -g pnpm
# Install a package
pnpm add express
# Install all dependencies
pnpm install
# Run a script
pnpm startReal talk: pnpm is a game-changer if you work on multiple projects or large monorepos. Installs are fast, and your SSD will thank you.
It’s also stricter, which means it exposes bad dependency habits early - painful at first, helpful long-term.
Bun (The New Kid)
Bun is the newest entry - and it’s ambitious.
It’s not just a package manager. It’s also a JavaScript runtime and bundler, built for speed and modern development.
# Install Bun
curl -fsSL https://bun.sh/install | bash
# Install a package
bun add express
# Install all dependencies
bun install
# Run a script
bun startReal talk: Bun is blazingly fast. Like, "Did it even install?" fast.
But it’s still young. Some packages don’t work perfectly yet, and production usage requires caution. Still, this one clearly represents where the ecosystem is heading.
Quick Comparison Table (2026 vibes)
Speed: Bun > pnpm > Yarn > npm
Disk usage: pnpm wins big, Bun is good, Yarn (PnP) is solid, npm uses the most
Monorepos: pnpm and Yarn shine, Bun is improving
Beginner-friendly: npm first, then pnpm
Compatibility: npm > pnpm > Yarn > Bun
So… Which One Should You Use?
Here’s the honest answer:
Just starting out? Use npm. Every tutorial assumes it, and it simply works.
Working on a large team or monorepo? pnpm or Yarn will make life easier.
Running out of disk space? pnpm will save your sanity (and your SSD).
Feeling adventurous? Try Bun on a side project. It’s fast as hell and exciting.
At the end of the day, all of these tools solve the same problem. The best choice is the one your team understands and uses consistently.
Pick one. Learn it well. Move on.
Happy coding 🚀