Documentation for Fixingspawn npm ENOENT Error withpnpm dlx

Issue Overview

The errorspawn npm ENOENT occurred when trying to spawn atsserver instance usingnpx in a Node.js script. This error typically happens whennpm is either missing or not found in the system'sPATH, which is required fornpx to function correctly. Althoughnpx is supposed to work independently, it relies onnpm being available in the environment. Since the project is usingpnpm as the package manager, the solution is to usepnpm dlx instead ofnpx.

Before Resolving the Issue the Error

After Resolving the Issue the Error

How I Resolved the Issue

1. Replacenpx withpnpm dlx:

   The command that spawns thetsserver instance was originally usingnpx:

   constchild=spawn('npx',['tsserver'],{cwd:options.cwd,shell:true});

   This was changed to usepnpm dlx to make it compatible withpnpm:

   constchild=spawn('pnpm',['dlx','tsserver'],{cwd:options.cwd,shell:true});

   Thepnpm dlx command is similar tonpx but usespnpm to run the specified package without requiring global installation. It ensures thatpnpm is handling the execution, avoiding thespawn npm ENOENT error.

Changes Made topackage.json

No changes were directly made topackage.json to resolve the error. However, to ensure thatpnpm dlx can be used smoothly, make sure the following:

1. Addedrimraf Dependency:

   "devDependencies": {"rimraf":"^6.0.1",...}

Conclusion

By switching fromnpx topnpm dlx, thespawn npm ENOENT error was resolved. This solution is optimal for projects usingpnpm as the package manager, ensuring compatibility and proper execution of thetsserver without relying onnpm's presence in the environment.

PS: This solution doesn't turn off the server, which was mentioned in the issue, and it also gives the output in my Windows system.

Fix:#297