What is npm or Maven? Role of package managers.

Package managers

For What is npm or Maven? Role of package managers., interviewers listen for a crisp definition, how the pieces interact in a real system, and one trade-off or failure mode you have seen or would guard against.

• npm/yarn: resolve JS dependencies, lockfile, scripts.
• Maven/Gradle: Java build lifecycle, dependency repos, plugins.
• Lockfiles ensure reproducible CI builds.