What does -save-dev mean in npm install grunt –save-dev

by

–save-dev: Package will appear in your devDependencies.

According to the npm install docs.

If someone is planning on downloading and using your module in their program, then they probably don’t want or need to download and build the external test or documentation framework that you use.

In other words, when you run npm install, your project’s devDependencies will be installed, but the devDependencies for any packages that your app depends on will not be installed; further, other apps having your app as a dependency need not install your devDependencies. Such modules should only be needed when developing the app (eg grunt, mocha etc).

According to the package.json docs

Edit: Attempt at visualising what npm install does:

  • yourproject
    • dependency installed
      • dependency installed
        • dependency installed
        • devDependency NOT installed
      • devDependency NOT installed
    • devDependency installed
      • dependency installed
      • devDependency NOT installed

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