link-workspace-packages

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# Link Workspace Packages

Add dependencies between packages in a monorepo. All package managers support workspaces but with different syntax.

## Detect Package Manager

Check whether there's a `packageManager` field in the root-level `package.json`.

Alternatively check lockfile in repo root:

- `pnpm-lock.yaml` → pnpm
- `yarn.lock` → yarn
- `bun.lock` / `bun.lockb` → bun
- `package-lock.json` → npm

## Workflow

1. Identify consumer package (the one importing)
2. Identify provider package(s) (being imported)
3. Add dependency using package manager's workspace syntax
4. Verify symlinks created in consumer's `node_modules/`

---

## pnpm

Uses `workspace:` protocol - symlinks only created when explicitly declared.

```bash
# From consumer directory
pnpm add @org/ui --workspace

# Or with --filter from anywhere
pnpm add @org/ui --filter @org/app --workspace
```

Result in `package.json`:

```json
{ "dependencies": { "@org/ui": "workspace:*" } }
```

---

## yarn (v2+/berry)

Also uses `workspace:` protocol.

```bash
yarn workspace @org/app add @org/ui
```

Result in `package.json`:

```json
{ "dependencies": { "@org/ui": "workspace:^" } }
```

---

## npm

No `workspace:` protocol. npm auto-symlinks workspace packages.

```bash
npm install @org/ui --workspace @org/app
```

Result in `package.json`:

```json
{ "dependencies": { "@org/ui": "*" } }
```

npm resolves to local workspace automatically during install.

---

## bun

Supports `workspace:` protocol (pnpm-compatible).

```bash
cd packages/app && bun add @org/ui
```

Result in `package.json`:

```json
{ "dependencies": { "@org/ui": "workspace:*" } }
```

---

## Examples

**Example 1: pnpm - link ui lib to app**

```bash
pnpm add @org/ui --filter @org/app --workspace
```

**Example 2: npm - link multiple packages**

```bash
npm install @org/data-access @org/ui --workspace @org/dashboard
```

**Example 3: Debug "Cannot find module"**

1. Check if dependency is declared in consumer's `package.json`
2. If not, add it using appropriate command above
3. Run install (`pnpm install`, `npm install`, etc.)

## Notes

- Symlinks appear in `<consumer>/node_modules/@org/<package>`
- **Hoisting differs by manager:**
  - npm/bun: hoist shared deps to root `node_modules`

From storm-software/powerlines, Apache-2.0.

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