When it comes to updating packages using npm, many developers rely on running `npm update` without fully understanding how it works. However, this command may not always result in the desired outcome, especially when dealing with outdated packages that require major releases.

To illustrate this point, let's consider a scenario where we have a repository that hasn't been updated for quite some time and contains several outdated packages. One way to discover new releases of these packages is by running `npm outdated`. This command will show us which packages are no longer up-to-date and need to be updated.

When we run `npm update`, the installed version of a package is updated, and the `package-lock.json` file is filled with the new version. For example, let's say we have cowsay installed at version 1.3.1. Our rule for updates specifies that npm can update to patch and minor releases, such as 1.3.2 or 1.4.0. However, this doesn't apply to major version changes that break compatibility, which means that npm won't install versions above 2.0.

When we install a package using `npm install`, the latest available version of the package is downloaded and installed in the `node_modules` folder. Additionally, an entry is added to both the `package.json` and `package-lock.json` files present in our current folder.

So, how do we update all npm dependencies stored in the `package.json` file to their latest version available? The answer lies in using the `npm install` command with the `--save` flag. This will not only update the packages but also save the changes to the `package.json` and `package-lock.json` files.

By running `npm install --save`, we can ensure that all our npm dependencies are updated to their latest version, without breaking compatibility or introducing major changes that may affect the functionality of our application. This is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and up-to-date package ecosystem for our project.

In conclusion, while `npm update` can be useful at times, it's essential to understand how it works and when to use it judiciously. By leveraging `npm install --save`, we can efficiently keep our npm dependencies updated and ensure the stability of our application.

Npm updates