NPM-EXPLORE(1) NPM-EXPLORE(1)

# [NAME](#NAME)

**npm-explore** - Browse an installed package

## [Synopsis](#Synopsis)

```
npm explore <pkg> [ -- <command>]
```

Note: This command is unaware of workspaces.

## [Description](#Description)

Spawn a subshell in the directory of the installed package specified.

If a command is specified, then it is run in the subshell, which then immediately terminates.

This is particularly handy in the case of git submodules in the **node\_modules** folder:

```
npm explore some-dependency -- git pull origin master
```

Note that the package is *not* automatically rebuilt afterwards, so be sure to use **npm rebuild &lt;pkg&gt;** if you make any changes.

## [Configuration](#Configuration)

## **shell**

- Default: SHELL environment variable, or "bash" on Posix, or "cmd.exe" on Windows
- Type: String

The shell to run for the **npm explore** command.

## [See Also](#See_Also)

- npm help folders
- npm help edit
- npm help rebuild
- npm help install

October 2026 NPM@12.2.0

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Document: npm-explore(1) from npm-12 12.2.0-r2 (Chainguard OS)
Source: https://github.com/npm/cli