Npm commands (scripts)

Npm scripts help with performing repetitive tasks like minification, compilation, unit testing, linting, etc. The Silicon build system consists of a variety of JavaScript files, each performing specific tasks, and associated Npm scripts that execute these files.

The list of available Npm commands (scripts)

Command	Description
`npm install`	This command is used to install Node.js packages and their dependencies in a project. The dependencies are listed in a "package.json" file in the project's root directory, under the "dependencies" and "devDependencies" sections.
`npm run dev`	Builds and minifies styles and scripts, copies vendor files from the `node_modules` directory to the `assets/vendor` folder, initiates a watch process to detect files changes, and starts a local development server with hot reloading. This is the primary command to utilize when customizing the template.
`npm run build`	Builds both expanded and minified versions of styles and scripts, copies vendor files from the `node_modules` directory to the `assets/vendor` folder, and runs HTML validation checks.
`npm run styles`	This command executes the following two style-related commands sequentially: `styles:compile` and `styles:minify`
`npm run styles:compile`	This command first lints SCSS files to ensure they adhere to Bootstrap coding standards. It then compiles the SCSS file located at `src/scss/theme.scss` into a CSS file at `assets/css/theme.css`, and generates a corresponding source map file. The source map facilitates easier debugging by mapping the CSS styles back to their original SCSS sources.
`npm run styles:minify`	This command minifies the compiled CSS files, reducing their file size for better performance in production environments. It targets CSS files located in the `assets/css` folder, optimizing them for faster loading times.
`npm run scripts`	This command executes the following two scripts-related commands sequentially: `scripts:compile` and `scripts:minify`
`npm run scripts:compile`	This command first lints the source JavaScript files from `src/js` directory to ensure code quality. It then bundles them into a single file `assets/theme.js` and generates a corresponding source map file. The source map aids in debugging by mapping the bundled JavaScript back to its original source files.
`npm run scripts:minify`	This command minifies and uglifies the `assets/js/theme.js` file, generating `assets/js/theme.min.js`, reducing its size and obfuscating the code for improved performance and security. It also generates an associated source map file to assist in debugging the minified JavaScript.
`npm run vendor`	This command copies vendor files listed under the dependencies object in the `package.json` file from the `node_modules` directory to the `assets/vendor` folder.
`npm run validate`	Executes validation checks on all `.html` files, ensuring compliance with W3C markup validity rules. This process utilizes the HTML-validate plugin, which is configured through the `.htmlvalidate.json` file.
`npm run watch`	Initiates a watch process to monitor changes in .`css`, `.js`, and `.html` files, simultaneously launching a local development server equipped with hot reloading, powered by Browsersync.