npm
An app store for code that other developers have built.
What is npm?
npm stands for Node Package Manager. When your app needs a feature someone else already built — like a date picker or a payment form — npm lets you download and use it in seconds. When Cursor tells you to run npm install, it's downloading all the code your app needs.
There are over 2 million packages on npm. You don't need to browse them — the AI picks the right ones for you.
In Vibe Coding
Every React/Next.js project made with Cursor, Lovable, or Bolt uses npm packages. When you export from Lovable and open in Cursor, run npm install first to download all the packages your app needs.
Example
For example: Your app needs a date picker. Instead of building one from scratch, you run npm install react-datepicker and it's ready to use in your app within seconds.
Why this matters
This matters because npm appears repeatedly when building, deploying, debugging, or connecting services in vibe coding workflows.
When you'll hit this in practice
You will usually run into npm when working on What is Vibe Coding?.