Declutter Your Disk Space with NPKill: A Lifesaver for Node.js Developers

Introduction

Introduce the problem of bloated disk space due to node_modules folders and the challenges developers face while manually cleaning them up. Mention how NPKill simplifies this process with speed and ease.

What is NPKill?

• Overview: A CLI tool designed to locate and delete node_modules folders.
• Why it’s useful: Saves disk space, especially for developers working on multiple projects.
• Key Features:
  • Blazing fast folder discovery.
  • Interactive deletion via terminal.
  • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).

How to Install and Use NPKill

1. Installation: npm install -g npkill or npx npkill
2. Basic Commands:
   • Locate all node_modules folders: npkill
   • Customize search to ignore specific directories: npkill --directory my_projects/
   • Enable auto-delete mode for unattended cleanup: npkill --yes

Why Use NPKill Over Manual Cleanup?

• Manual deletion can be error-prone and time-consuming.
• NPKill offers a clean, interactive UI to make informed deletions.
• Highlights disk space usage for each folder.

Comparing NPKill to Other Tools

• NPKill vs. Rimraf: Rimraf deletes directories programmatically, while NPKill is more interactive and specific to node_modules.
• NPKill vs. Disk Cleanup Tools: General disk cleanup tools lack the focus and developer-friendly interface NPKill provides.

Real-World Use Cases

• Freelancers/Consultants: Manage multiple client projects effectively.
• Teams: Integrate NPKill into CI/CD pipelines for periodic cleanup.
• Open Source Contributors: Quickly clean repos after testing dependencies.

Conclusion

Wrap up by emphasizing the importance of efficient disk space management and how NPKill can be a go-to tool for developers. Encourage readers to try it and share their experiences.