Clean Command
The buddy clean command removes all node_modules directories and lock files from your project, providing a clean slate for dependency reinstallation.
Basic Usage
buddy cleanCommand Syntax
buddy clean [options]Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
-p, --project [project] | Target a specific project |
--verbose | Enable verbose output |
What Gets Cleaned
The clean command removes:
- All
node_modulesdirectories (root and nested) - Lock files (
bun.lockb,package-lock.json,yarn.lock,pnpm-lock.yaml) - Build cache directories
- Temporary files
Interactive Confirmation
By default, the clean command asks for confirmation before proceeding:
$ buddy clean
? This will remove all node_modules and lock files. Continue? (y/N)Skip Confirmation
To skip the confirmation prompt (useful in CI/CD):
buddy clean --force
# or
buddy clean --no-interactionExamples
Clean with Verbose Output
buddy clean --verboseThis shows detailed information about what's being removed.
Clean Specific Project
buddy clean -p my-projectClean in CI/CD Pipeline
buddy clean --no-interactionUse Cases
Fresh Dependency Installation
When you want to completely reinstall all dependencies:
buddy clean
buddy installTroubleshooting Dependency Issues
If you're experiencing strange behavior due to cached or corrupted dependencies:
buddy clean
buddy installSwitching Package Managers
When switching between package managers (npm, yarn, pnpm, bun):
buddy clean
# Switch to new package manager
buddy installReducing Disk Space
To free up disk space by removing node_modules:
buddy cleanComparison with Fresh
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
buddy clean | Only removes dependencies and lock files |
buddy fresh | Removes dependencies AND reinstalls them |
If you want to clean and immediately reinstall:
# Option 1: Two commands
buddy clean && buddy install
# Option 2: Use fresh command
buddy freshTroubleshooting
Permission Denied
If you encounter permission errors:
sudo buddy cleanOr fix permissions first:
sudo chown -R $(whoami) node_modules
buddy cleanFiles Still Present After Clean
Some files may be locked by running processes:
- Stop all development servers
- Close your IDE
- Run
buddy cleanagain
Clean Takes Too Long
For large projects with many nested node_modules:
# Use verbose to see progress
buddy clean --verboseRelated Commands
- buddy fresh - Clean and reinstall dependencies
- buddy install - Install dependencies
- buddy upgrade - Upgrade dependencies