Fix: package-lock.json is out of sync error

The ‘package-lock.json is out of sync’ error occurs when there’s a mismatch between the dependencies listed in package.json and the locked versions in package-lock.json, often due to manual edits or concurrent dependency changes.

How the Error Happens

❌ Error Scenario:

# ❌ This can cause sync issues
npm install some-package
# Then manually edit package.json to change version
# Error: package-lock.json is out of sync

✅ Quick Fix - Synchronize Dependencies

Solution 1: Delete and Regenerate Lock File

# ✅ Remove node_modules and package-lock.json
rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json

# ✅ Reinstall dependencies
npm install

Solution 2: Force Update Lock File

# ✅ Update package-lock.json to match package.json
npm install --package-lock-only

# ✅ Or update and install
npm install --force

Solution 3: Check and Fix Sync Issues

# ✅ Check for sync issues
npm ls

# ✅ Audit for inconsistencies
npm audit

# ✅ Update specific packages to sync
npm update package-name

Solution 4: Use npm ci for Clean Installation

# ✅ Use clean install (requires package-lock.json to exist and be in sync)
npm ci

# ✅ If package-lock.json is corrupted, regenerate it
rm package-lock.json
npm install