Basic Usage

npm-check-updates provides a simple yet powerful set of commands to manage your dependencies.

Checking for Updates

To check for the latest versions of all project dependencies, run ncu in your project's root directory:

$ ncu
Checking package.json
[====================] 5/5 100%

 eslint             7.32.0  →    8.0.0
 prettier           ^2.7.1  →   ^3.0.0
 svelte            ^3.48.0  →  ^3.51.0
 typescript         >3.0.0  →   >4.0.0
 untildify          <4.0.0  →   ^4.0.0
 webpack               4.x  →      5.x

Run ncu -u to upgrade package.json

This command performs a dry run and does not modify any files.

Upgrading the package.json File

To write the changes to your package.json, use the -u or --upgrade flag.

Important: Ensure your package.json is under version control and all changes are committed before running this command, as it will directly modify the file.

$ ncu -u
Upgrading package.json
[====================] 1/1 100%

 express           4.12.x  →   4.13.x

Run npm install to install new versions.

After upgrading, you'll need to run your package manager's install command (e.g., npm install) to update your node_modules and lockfile.

Interactive Mode

For more control over which packages to update, use the interactive mode with -i or --interactive.

ncu -i

This will present a list of available updates, allowing you to select which ones to apply using the spacebar and arrow keys.

Combine interactive mode with --format group for a categorized view of updates:

Checking Global Packages

To check for updates to your globally installed packages, use the -g flag:

ncu -g