Publishing to npm in 2026: 7 Critical Checks Most Devs Skip
Modern bundlers and Node.js may fail to resolve your package's entry point, leading to runtime errors or slower imports. Always add an `exports` map with explicit entry points for both ESM and CJS.
How often should I run npm audit before publishing?
Ideally, run it as part of your CI pipeline on every commit, and always right before the publish command to catch last-minute vulnerabilities.
Can I publish a package without TypeScript types and still be successful?
Yes, but many developers expect types for autocompletion and error checking; omitting them can reduce adoption in the TypeScript-dominant ecosystem.
What is the easiest way to automate semantic versioning?
Use semantic-release with a conventional commit workflow—it reads commit messages to determine version bumps and generates changelogs automatically.
Do I really need 2FA for npm if I’m just a hobbyist?
Yes, because compromised accounts can be used to publish malicious packages under your name, harming users and your reputation—npm encourages 2FA for all accounts.