What is the difference between — legacy-peer-deps VS — force ?

The golden rule for using npm --legacy-peer-deps is this: only use it if you’re aware of potential dependency issues and prepared to handle them manually.

--legacy-peer-deps comes into play in various scenarios, primarily when a package you’re trying to install has a peer dependency that conflicts with your current project setup. Running an npm install with this flag tells npm: “Hold on there! Let’s stick to the old ways and not auto-install these peers. Just flag me a warning if something’s a miss.”

using --legacy-peer-deps has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it gives you more control and can help avoid breaking changes due to unwanted peer dependencies. On the flip side, it puts the onus on you to manually manage these dependencies and ensure compatibility. It’s like opting to drive a manual car – you get more control, but you also have to juggle with the clutch and gear shifts!

When using --force, npm will overwrite existing files and install packages regardless of version compatibility or any potential conflicts. This flag is often used when you want to forcefully reinstall packages or resolve issues that may arise due to conflicts or errors during the installation process.

It’s important to use these flags judiciously, as forcing installations or bypassing peer dependency checks can lead to unexpected behavior or compatibility issues in your project. Always consider alternative solutions, such as updating your project dependencies, when faced with compatibility challenges.