---
syntax: markdown
tags: [tldr, common]
source: https://github.com/tldr-pages/tldr.git
---
# npm explain

> Explain how a package is installed, detailing its dependencies and reasons for inclusion.
> More information: <https://docs.npmjs.com/cli/explain/>.

- Explain why a specific package is installed:

`npm {{[why|explain]}} {{package_name}}`

- Show explanation in JSON format:

`npm {{[why|explain]}} {{package_name}} --json`

- Include peer dependencies in the explanation:

`npm {{[why|explain]}} {{package_name}} --include peer`

- Limit explanation depth to 2 levels deep:

`npm {{[why|explain]}} {{package_name}} --depth 2`