Delete unused node modules and improves performance in a minute 🚀
Published: 2023-10-20 16:00:53

**Table of content**

[1. Introduction](#1-introduction)
[2. Impact of node modules files](#2-impact-of-node-modules-files)
[3. Use "npm-check"](#3-use-npmcheck)
[4. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance](#4-ongoing-monitoring-and-maintenance)
[5. Improving performance and environmental impact](#5-improving-performance-and-environmental-impact)
[6. My Vision](#6-my-vision)

## 1. Introduction 🌐

When it comes to software development, managing storage space can be a critical issue. A common problem that many developers face is the accumulation of unused "node modules" files in projects. These files can take up significant amounts of disk space and adversely affect system performance.

However, manually deleting them can be tedious and time-consuming. In this article, we will explore **how you can quickly delete unused "node modules" files** and free up valuable disk space.

### Importance of cleaning up node modules files
Over time, the "node modules" directory can grow significantly due to the installation of new packages and their dependencies.

Many of these dependencies may no longer be needed in the project, but they still remain in the directory, taking up valuable space. This accumulation of unused modules can **make the project unwieldy and affect performance**.

### Objective
The main objective of this article is to provide practical guidance on how to identify and delete unused "node modules" files efficiently and safely. We will explore **best practices** for dealing with this common problem. You will learn how to:


1. Identify unused modules in your project.
2.  Perform the cleanup in a safe manner to avoid loss of important data.
3.  Automate the cleaning process to save time and effort.
4.  Constantly monitor your development environment to maintain a clean and optimized workspace.


## 2. Impact of node modules files 💥

![Unused node modules meme](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vdk10ofkemesklnutv4o.jpg)

The size of the "node modules" directory can vary greatly depending on the project. In smaller projects, it may not pose a significant problem, but in complex applications or long-running projects, this directory can grow exponentially. The consequences of uncontrolled accumulation of "node modules" files include:

- **Disk space occupancy**: As new dependencies are installed, the overall size of the "node modules" directory increases, consuming disk space. This can become problematic, especially on systems with limited storage space.

- **Performance**: Projects with a large "node modules" directory may experience performance slowdowns. Loading all these dependencies can take more time and resources, affecting startup speed and application execution.

- **Difficulties in maintenance**: Managing a bulky "node modules" directory can make project maintenance more complex. Searching for specific packages or resolving conflicts between dependencies may require more effort.


## 3. Use npm-check 🎩
To identify and remove unused "node modules" files in your js project, you can use a tool called **npm-check**. "npm-check" is a command-line tool that allows you to scan your project and identify unused dependencies. Here's how you can do it:

### Step 1: Install npm-check

Before you start, make sure you have "npm-check" installed on your system. You can easily do this using npm, with the following command:

```
npm install -g npm-check
```

### Step 2: Run npm-check

Once installed, you can run "npm-check" from any directory in your js project. Use the following bash command to start the scan:

```
npm-check
```

### Step 3: Identify unused dependencies

Npm-check will highlight unused dependencies in the list with a specific marking. They will be marked as "unused" next to their name.


![Unused dependencies example](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pc2a754ea02ykvc47k0x.jpg)

### Step 4: Remove unused node modules.

After unused dependencies are identified, you will have two options:

- Remove them directly from the "npm-check" interface. You can select the dependencies you want to remove, and the tool will handle the removal safely.

- Remove them manually with:

```
npm uninstall 'package-name'
```

Make sure you are sure you want to remove these dependencies, as this operation is not reversible.

Using "npm-check," you can greatly simplify the process of identifying and removing unused dependencies, saving disk space and improving the performance of your js project. 

Before performing significant removal operations, it is always a good practice to back up your project or use a version control system. This way, you can maintain a clean and optimized development environment.


![Remove unused dependencies meme](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/d9djsrs6jpsm2iw49bcx.jpg)

## 4. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance 📈 

Once you have eliminated unused "node modules" files in your js project, it is critical to establish an ongoing monitoring and maintenance practice to ensure that your development environment remains clean and efficient over time.

In this section, we will explore the importance of keeping a constant eye on dependencies and suggest some best practices for effective maintenance.

### Importance of periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance of your js project is crucial to avoid the accumulation of unused "node modules" files in the future.

As your project evolves and new dependencies are added, new unused modules may emerge. This is why it is essential to establish a regular cleanup routine to keep your workspace in order.

### Continuous monitoring
To simplify continuous monitoring of your project's dependencies, you can take advantage of tools and practices such as constant monitoring with npm-check.

Continuous maintenance and dependency monitoring of your project ensures that your development environment remains efficient and free of unused files. They also reduce the chance of accumulating unnecessary dependencies again and improve the overall management of your project's libraries and modules.


## 5. Improving performance and environmental impact 😁
In the process of identifying and removing unused "node modules" files, you are not only freeing up disk space, but you are also helping to reduce digital pollution and improve the overall performance of your project.

In this section, we will examine how optimizing your development environment can reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.


### Application performance benefits
In addition to taking up disk space, the accumulation of unused dependencies can adversely affect the performance of your applications.

Loading unnecessary modules takes time and system resources, slowing down the startup and execution of applications. By keeping your development environment clean, you can ensure that your applications are faster and more responsive.

### Reduce environmental impact
As developers, we have a responsibility to use computing resources responsibly. Cleaning up unused dependencies not only improves the performance of your project, but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in software development.

**<u>This conscious behavior can be an integral part of an ethical and sustainable development practice.</u>**

Saving disk space, improving performance, and reducing digital pollution are important goals for modern developers. By maintaining a clean and efficient development environment, you contribute to a more sustainable technology industry and the optimization of computing resources.

## 6. My Vision 🌱

![Nature](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fnh460s1rrgo7ajgo5li.jpg)

**My name is Michele, I'm a frontend developer** concerned about the environment, and I have embarked on an important journey to share awareness about the environmental impact of website performance.

This series of articles not only provides practical guidance on how to optimize web projects, but also demonstrates the importance of reducing digital pollution, an aspect often overlooked in the development world.

Responsibility in resource use and adopting sustainable development practices have become an essential part of your approach to frontend development.

[These articles](https://dev.to/michelebitetto) are a valuable contribution to educating developers and the technology community on how to reduce digital pollution and preserve the environment. By continuing on this path, you will help build a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable digital world.

If you are interested, follow me and join in this journey to a more sustainable and efficient web 😊

Thank you 🍋