lookup-npm-dependencies-version
Look up the latest stable versions of NPM packages using npm view command. Use when planning a project, updating dependencies, or when the user asks about current package versions for Node.js/TypeScript projects.
When & Why to Use This Skill
This Claude skill enables real-time lookup of NPM package versions and metadata using the `npm view` command. It helps developers maintain up-to-date dependencies, check for deprecations, and ensure compatibility across Node.js and TypeScript projects by providing accurate, stable version data and ready-to-use installation commands, effectively bridging the gap between AI knowledge cutoffs and the current state of the NPM registry.
Use Cases
- Project Planning & Initialization: Determining the latest stable versions of a specific technology stack (e.g., Express, React, Zod) when starting a new project to ensure a modern and secure foundation.
- Dependency Maintenance: Quickly checking for newer versions of existing packages to keep the codebase performant and up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Compatibility & Peer Dependency Checks: Verifying peer dependency requirements and Node.js engine constraints before installation to prevent environment conflicts and build failures.
- Package Auditing & Troubleshooting: Identifying deprecated packages and exploring available distribution tags (such as beta, next, or legacy versions) to assist in debugging or experimental development.
| name | lookup-npm-dependencies-version |
|---|---|
| description | Look up the latest stable versions of NPM packages using npm view command. Use when planning a project, updating dependencies, or when the user asks about current package versions for Node.js/TypeScript projects. |
| allowed-tools | Bash(npm view:*) |
NPM Dependencies Version Lookup
Look up the latest stable versions of NPM packages using npm view command to get accurate, real-time version information.
Instructions
Identify packages to look up:
- Use packages specified by the user
- Or check the current feature's
plan.mdfor technology stack and dependencies
Run npm view for each package:
npm view <package-name> version- For multiple packages, run commands in parallel:
npm view express version npm view mysql2 version npm view typescript version- To see more details (description, dependencies, etc.):
npm view <package-name>Check peer dependencies if needed:
npm view <package-name> peerDependenciesGenerate version report as a markdown table:
## NPM Dependencies Version Report **Generated**: [DATE] ### Runtime Dependencies | Package | Latest Version | |---------|----------------| | express | 5.0.1 | | mysql2 | 3.11.0 | ### Development Dependencies | Package | Latest Version | |---------|----------------| | typescript | 5.7.2 | | vitest | 2.1.8 |Provide installation command:
# Runtime dependencies aikido-npm install express@^5.0.1 mysql2@^3.11.0 # Development dependencies aikido-npm install -D typescript@^5.7.2 vitest@^2.1.8
Useful npm view Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
npm view <pkg> version |
Latest stable version |
npm view <pkg> versions |
All available versions |
npm view <pkg> dist-tags |
Tagged versions (latest, next, beta) |
npm view <pkg> peerDependencies |
Peer dependency requirements |
npm view <pkg> engines |
Node.js version requirements |
npm view <pkg> deprecated |
Check if deprecated |
Version Notation
| Notation | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
^ (caret) |
Most packages - allows minor/patch updates | ^1.2.3 |
~ (tilde) |
Packages with frequent breaking changes | ~1.2.3 |
| Exact | Critical dependencies requiring stability | 1.2.3 |
Example Workflow
# 1. Check latest versions
npm view express version # => 5.0.1
npm view mysql2 version # => 3.11.0
npm view zod version # => 3.24.1
npm view typescript version # => 5.7.2
npm view vitest version # => 2.1.8
# 2. Check Node.js requirements
npm view express engines
npm view mysql2 engines
# 3. Install with specific versions
aikido-npm install express@^5.0.1 mysql2@^3.11.0 zod@^3.24.1
aikido-npm install -D typescript@^5.7.2 vitest@^2.1.8