How to Evaluate an npm Package: 2026 Edition

The article presents a practical checklist for evaluating JavaScript packages before adding them to your project, going far beyond simply checking star counts. It guides developers through key factors such as provenance attestation, the presence of install scripts, the quality of continuous integration (CI) processes, and how responsive maintainers are to issues and updates.

By following this checklist, developers can more confidently spot potential red flags and avoid problematic dependencies, improving both security and project stability. The article emphasizes the importance of due diligence in today’s fast-moving open-source ecosystem, helping teams make smarter choices before running npm install.