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Comments on Why is package.json needed for running a SvelteKit application?

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Why is package.json needed for running a SvelteKit application?

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I'm trying to containerize a SvelteKit application that uses the @sveltejs/adapter-node.

The Build and Deploy section from the documentation recommends to build the application, and then run the application with:

  • the output sub-directory (build)
  • the node_modules sub-directory
  • package.json

I understand the package.json file is essential during the build process for managing dependencies and scripts, but given that the application is already built and the necessary files are present in the build directory and/or node_modules, why do I still need the package.json file to run the application?

Notice the application is run using Node.js only — e.g.: node /path/to/build/, that will find and run, by default, the file index.js.

Are there specific scenarios or reasons where the absence of package.json could cause issues when running the application?

node.js docker sveltekit
posted 3 months ago
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1 comment thread

Perhaps non-standard name of main script file? (3 comments)
Perhaps non-standard name of main script file?
jmathew‭ wrote 3 months ago
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What's the value of main in the package.json? If the 'main' script to be run in the folder is anything other than index.js it would have to specified with a package.json file for node build/ to work. That might be why they require it.

In that case though, the app should work just fine with node path/to/main.js. So maybe just aesthetics? node build looks cleaner than node path/to/main.js.

EphraimMante‭ wrote about 1 month ago
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@Slice Master You can still run your application by specifying the path to the JavaScript file (e.g. node path/to/main.js), but specifying the main file in package.json is for aesthetics and convenience when working with modules or when you want others to easily use your application without having to remember the main file name.

ficejo8929‭ wrote 4 days ago
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@temple run 2 : Default Behavior: If main is not specified, Node.js defaults to index.js. Aesthetics: Using node build/ can indeed be cleaner and more convenient than specifying the full path each time, especially if there are multiple entry points or scripts. Flexibility: Specifying main allows for better organization of your project, especially in larger applications