npkill

NPkill - Node.js and Next.js Build Artifact Cleaner

This skill leverages the npkill tool to clean up node_modules and .next folders that accumulate over time from JavaScript and Next.js development, freeing up significant disk space.

Purpose

This skill addresses a common problem faced by JavaScript and Next.js developers: accumulation of large build artifact folders (node_modules, .next) that consume significant disk space over time. It provides a safe and efficient way to identify and remove these unnecessary folders.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

• Your disk space is running low due to accumulated node_modules folders
• You want to clean up old Next.js build artifacts (.next folders)
• You need to maintain a clean development environment
• You want to identify which projects are consuming the most disk space
• You want to perform regular maintenance on your development workspace

Core Commands

Interactive Cleanup (Recommended)

npkill

Launches the interactive interface to browse and selectively delete node_modules folders. This is the safest method as it allows you to review each folder before deletion.

Target .next Folders Specifically

npkill --target .next

Search specifically for .next folders (used by Next.js projects) instead of node_modules.

Dry Run (Always Recommended First)

npkill --dry-run

Simulates the operation without actually deleting anything. Shows what would be deleted.

Automated Cleanup (Use with Caution)

npkill --delete-all --yes

Automatically deletes all node_modules folders found. Use only after verifying with dry-run.

View Sizes in Gigabytes

npkill --gb

Shows folder sizes in gigabytes instead of megabytes for easier reading.

Scan from Specific Directory

npkill --directory /path/to/search/from

Starts searching from a specific directory instead of current directory.

Safety Features

• Warnings for Protected Directories: npkill highlights system/app directories that shouldn't be deleted with a ⚠️ symbol
• Interactive Confirmation: Manual selection required in interactive mode
• Dry-run Option: Preview changes before executing any deletions
• Exclusion Options: Ability to exclude specific directories from scanning

Common Use Cases for Next.js Developers

Clean .next Folders Safely

# First, preview what would be deleted
npkill --target .next --dry-run

# Then, if satisfied with the preview, run interactively
npkill --target .next

Regular Maintenance

# Run interactive cleanup to review and selectively delete
npkill

Check Disk Usage

# View all node_modules folders sorted by size
npkill --sort=size

Best Practices

1. Always run with --dry-run first to see what would be deleted
2. Review warnings carefully about protected directories marked with ⚠️
3. Use interactive mode for safer selective deletion
4. Consider excluding important project directories using --exclude if needed
5. Schedule regular cleanup to prevent massive accumulation

Installation Requirements

This skill requires the npkill CLI tool to be installed globally:

npm install -g npkill

Limitations

• Requires npkill to be installed separately
• May not detect all protected system directories in all environments
• Interactive mode requires terminal with arrow key support