Solved Question about npm version

[mlewus]

I installed my mirror with npm 8.3.0 and node v16.x. I understand Google Assistant has issues with npm 7.x and higher and should be installed with npm 6.14.15. Do I need to uninstall my existing MagicMirror, downgrade npm, and start from scratch? Or can I downgrade npm and just use it to build MMM-GoogleAssistant and MMM-Detector?
Thanks!

[bugsounet]

Hi @mlewus,

Naturally you don’t have to uninstall MagicMirror and associed modules !

Just install npm v6.14.15 and try this this commands:

sudo npm install -g npm@6.14.15

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for GA (inside the module directory):

npm run rebuild

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for Detector (inside the module directory too):

npm run rebuild

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for MagicMirror (inside root directory of MagicMirror)

npm install

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Infos

in my knowledge, no MM modules need npm 7.x or 8.x
Actually this npm 7 and 8 are so bugged with a rpi
that why MM rules are npm 6.14.15 (the lastest of v6.x)

why is bugged ?

complex module need system dependencies and naturally some libraries
you will say to me: “yes but it’s the npm install job”
i’m agree with you in this point but npm install with npm v6 and npm v7/v8 are not the same !

Natural rules for installer are (used by npm v6):

1. install system dependencies if something is missing (with apt-get install)
2. other prepare rules
3. install any library needed (npm @bugsounet/xxxx for example)
4. finalize installation

this rules are used by npm v6.14.15 perfect !

What about install with npm v7/8 !?

rules installer with this version is not the same

1. install any library needed (npm @bugsounet/xxxx for example)
2. install system dependencies if something is missing (with apt-get install)
3. other prepare rules
4. finalize installation

Now it’s really a problem because some library have again his own install rules and if system dependencies if missed … the result: installer crash
Actually an issue is open for this problem… and me (and other coder) are waiting about solve

[talha.ahmii]

Hello sir,
Can i know how can i downgrade my npm version?
I have installed magic mirror and npm version 8 is installed but mmm google assistant things are giving error in installation because of npm version 8 … how can i downgrade it to npm 6?

[kelly97129]

Hello,
@talha-ahmii

npm install -g npm@6.14.15

in

/home/pi/MagicMirror/modules/MMM-GoogleAssistant

[talha.ahmii]

@kelly97129 thank you mate