The ELIFECYCLE error code might occur quite often when you use npm commands. And, this error might indicate various issues. So, you need to find the cause of the error to fix it effectively.
Are you looking for a simple way to fix the “npm ERR code ELIFECYCLE”? Then, we have effective methods you can apply to resolve this error easily. Also, you can apply most of these fixes using the Command Prompt.
What Causes the “NPM ERR Code ELIFECYCLE”?
The error code you face might occur when your directory has a “package-lock.json” file. A missing port required for installing npm packages is yet another common cause of this error.
Have you kept the “node_modules” folder in your directory? Then, that might explain the “npm ERR code ELIFECYCLE” in some cases.
However, the aforementioned causes are only the most common ones for this error. So, there are other possible issues as well. And, that is why you must try out multiple methods to fix the issue.
Simple Fixes for the Error Code ELIFECYCLE
There is quite a wide range of fixes that you can use to resolve “npm ERR code ELIFECYCLE”. And, you might need to try out all the possible fixes for an effective solution. Even though it might take some time, you can usually fix this issue all by yourself. Also, you must try restarting the device before you apply any of these solutions.
Here are the effective methods that have fixed the “ELIFECYCLE” error in many cases:
Remove “Node_Modules” and “Package-lock.json”
The “node-modules” folder contains cache files that might often become corrupted. In such cases, removing the folder is the only viable way to get a long-term solution. You can clear the cache by entering “npm cache clean — force” in the Command Prompt.
To remove the folder, you must enter “rd /s /q node modules”. Then, remove package-lock.json with the command “rd /s /q package-lock.json”. Make sure whether this step was effective by entering “npm install” and “npm start”. Try the next solution if you keep getting “npm ERR code ELIFECYCLE”.
Verify the Cache Files
Was clearing the cache ineffective in providing a solution? If yes, then you must try verifying the integrity of the cache files. Your device will then find and fix any faulty cache files that it finds.
Enter the command “npm cache verify” to do this on your PC. Wait until the process is complete and check whether the error persists. If it does, then there is probably no issue with the cache.
Get the Latest Node.js Version
Are you running an older version of the Node.js program? If yes, that might have caused the “npm ERR code ELIFECYCLE”. After all, there are various bugs in older Node.js versions, which the latest version can fix. So, installing it might make the error occur less frequently.
But, how do you update your Node.js to the latest version? If you are wondering, you can do that with the Command Prompt. All you need to do is enter “devtools i –javascript nodejs:12.16.2”. This should upgrade Node.js on your system and fix the ELIFECYCLE error code.
Stop Faulty Treatment of Warnings
The error you face might sometimes occur due to a system warning. As it happens, your PC might often read those warnings as errors. Quite a lot of people have reported this as the cause of the ELIFECYCLE error. So, you must make sure whether this applies in your case as well. Entering the command “CI=false alarm build” should fix this issue on your Windows system.
Check the Port Availability
Your device should have a port available during npm package installation. Otherwise, as mentioned earlier, you would get the “npm ERR code ELIFECYCLE” error. So, check the port availability on your PC if you are unsure about it. You can do that by entering “npm install node-port-check –save” in the Command Prompt.
Do you find the port being used by some other program? Then, you must stop the process with the command “lsof -ti:8080 | xargs kill”. Your PC should stop facing the error once a part is available for installing the npm package.
Repair Webpack.mix.js
The ELIFECYCLE error might have something to do with the webpack.mix.js file. This file might often have corrupt components due to various reasons. Regardless, fixing them is the only viable solution in such a situation. So, you must do that and check whether the error code ELIFECYCLE persists.
How do you fix the web.mix.js file? You need not use any commands for a solution to this issue. Instead, you must navigate to this file and open it. Then, find and delete the following lines:
.styles(‘resources/css/test.css’, ‘public.css’)
.version();
Doing this should repair the webpack.mix.js file on your PC. Unless there are any other problems, this should fix the ELIFECYCLE error in your case.
Add a New Environment Variable
The environment variable on your PC determines the behaviour of processes running on it. And, the error you are facing might have something to do with this value. So, you must add a new environment variable in such cases. Go to the Properties section of This PC and open Advanced system settings. Then, click on Environment variables at the bottom of the System Properties window.
Opt for adding a new one and choose path C: \Windows\System32. Save the changes you have made and check whether the error has been resolved.
What if the Error Persists?
The lack of system resources is yet another possible cause of the “npm ERR code ELIFECYCLE”. So, you must make sure that your PC has enough resources for the task. Also, it might often indicate an issue with the system. You might need to reinstall your device’s system in such cases. But, you must consider consulting an expert before taking that step.
