"vite is not recognized ..." on "npm run dev"

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05-10-2024

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"vite is not recognized as an internal or external command" - A Common Vite Setup Issue and How to Fix It

Problem: You're trying to start your Vite development server using npm run dev but are greeted with the dreaded error message "vite is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."

Simplified: Vite, your fancy web development server, is missing from your computer's command line tools. It's like trying to use a TV remote without batteries - it just won't work!

Scenario: Let's say you're building a new Vue.js project using Vite. You've run npm init vite@latest my-vue-project to create a new project. Everything seems to be in order, but when you try to start the development server with npm run dev, the error message pops up.

Code Example (package.json):

{
  "name": "my-vue-project",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "description": "",
  "main": "index.js",
  "scripts": {
    "dev": "vite",
    "build": "vite build",
    "preview": "vite preview"
  },
  "author": "",
  "license": "MIT",
  "devDependencies": {
    "vite": "^4.0.0"
  },
  "dependencies": {
    "vue": "^3.2.47"
  }
}

Solution: The root of the problem lies in the way npm run dev interacts with your project. Here's a breakdown:

1. npm run dev: This command tells npm to execute the "dev" script defined in your package.json file.
2. "vite": The script specifies that "vite" should be run.
3. The Missing Link: The issue arises because your command line environment doesn't know where to find the "vite" command. It needs to be either globally installed or run within the project's context.

Here's how to fix it:

1. Global Installation:

• Open your terminal or command prompt.
• Run the following command:

npm install -g vite

This will install Vite globally on your machine, making it accessible from any project.

2. Local Installation:

• Open your terminal or command prompt and navigate to your project's root directory.
• Run the following command:

npm install

This will install all the dependencies, including Vite, for your specific project.

3. Running "vite" directly:

• If you've already installed Vite globally or locally, you can bypass the npm run dev command and directly run vite in your project's root directory.
• To run the development server:

vite

Additional Tips:

• Verify Node.js and npm versions: Make sure you have a compatible version of Node.js and npm installed.
• Check your PATH environment variable: Ensure that the directory where npm installed Vite is included in your PATH environment variable. This allows your system to find the "vite" executable.
• Restart your terminal or command prompt: After making changes to your PATH environment variable, restart your terminal or command prompt to ensure the changes take effect.
• Reinstall Node.js: If all else fails, try reinstalling Node.js.

In Conclusion:

By understanding how npm run dev works and addressing the lack of "vite" access in your command line environment, you'll be able to launch your Vite development server seamlessly. Remember to choose the installation method that best suits your needs, whether it's globally accessible or project-specific.