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I have a problem which can be easily solved by importing an external JS library into Node.js. However, this library does not exist in NPM.

I found out an old solution on StackOverflow which seems to fix the problem. However, it looks wierd.

Is there a more convenient solution in 2k20 to use external JS library methods into my Node.js code?

Alex
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1 Answers1

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  • If your library have a package.json: You can install the package directly from the git repository, for example npm install https://github.com/vendor-creator/vendor-package. NOTE that for this method to work, in cases where the module has to be built, the git repository should contain a dist/ folder containing the built code or have in its package.json, a prepare step responsible for building the package upon installation.

  • If your library does not have a package.json and is simply a vanilla JavaScript file like the Lodash JavaScript file, I would advise just like in the post you linked, to create a vendor.js file (.min if the script is minified), copy and paste the content of the file and require it. Be aware that some libraries using CDN and not NPM, are designed for browser environment and may lack CommonJS support preventing you from using require. In that case you'll have to modify the library source code.

    If it's a small library, there is no need to create an advanced build system. If the library is stable, just copy and paste it and you'll be fine. When in doubt always follow the K.I.S.S principle.

geauser
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