What is package-lock.json?

The package-lock.json file is a file automatically generated by npm when dependencies are installed in a Node.js project. It contains information about the exact version of each installed package, as well as the dependencies of those packages. This file helps to ensure that the same versions of packages are installed across different environments, avoiding potential discrepancies and ensuring consistency in the project.

The package-lock.json file should be committed to version control along with the rest of the project files, as it is essential for ensuring that the project dependencies are correctly resolved and installed. If the file is missing, npm will attempt to generate it based on the package.json file, but it is recommended to have the file generated and maintained by npm.

Overall, the package-lock.json file plays a crucial role in managing dependencies in Node.js projects and helps to maintain project stability and consistency.