Fix · Node, npm and build

node-gyp or native build errors during install

What you may see

Install prints a long gyp error with compiler messages

Most likely cause

One package must be compiled on your computer and the build tools (a compiler, Python) are missing or the package does not support your Node version.

Check first (about two minutes)

Which package is building when it fails? Look for its name in the first lines.

The fix prompt

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The exact error or what you see

What you did before it happened

Kept only in this browser, on this device. Keys and passwords are removed before anything is saved.

Prompt language

You are a patient senior engineer who knows Node.js, npm and build tools and explains them to people who are not developers. I am not a developer, so explain every step in plain words and tell me exactly which button, menu or command you mean. If you are not sure about something, say so; do not guess.

THE PROBLEM
node-gyp or native build errors during install

THE EXACT ERROR OR WHAT I SEE
[paste the exact error here]

WHAT I DID BEFORE IT HAPPENED
[write in a few words what you did before it happened]

MOST LIKELY CAUSE
One package must be compiled on your computer and the build tools (a compiler, Python) are missing or the package does not support your Node version.

DO THESE STEPS, IN THIS ORDER
1. Find which package needs compiling, and whether a newer version ships ready-made binaries for my system and Node version.
2. If a build tool is missing, tell me exactly what it is and how to install it; ask my permission first. Do not install anything yourself.
3. If the package is optional or replaceable, suggest a lighter option.
Stop and tell me if what you see does not match a step. Do not skip ahead.

CHECK THAT IT WORKED
- npm install completes and the package loads.
Tell me exactly what I should see on the screen when it works.

DO NOT CHANGE
- Do not delete system tools.
- Anything I did not ask about: the design, the text, other pages, other settings or the data.
- Do not delete files, data or branches, do not reset or force-push, and do not rewrite history, unless you first show me exactly what would be lost and I say yes.
- Do not paste, print or ask me to paste a password or secret key into this chat. If one is needed, tell me which settings page of the right service to store it in.

WHEN YOU FINISH
Explain in simple words what you changed (file by file or setting by setting), why you changed it, and how I can undo it.

Paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or Cursor, then follow what it says.

After you tried it, did it work?

Steps

Find which package needs compiling, and whether a newer version ships ready-made binaries for my system and Node version.
If a build tool is missing, tell me exactly what it is and how to install it; ask my permission first. Do not install anything yourself.
If the package is optional or replaceable, suggest a lighter option.

Do not do this

Do not install random compilers from unknown sites.
Do not delete system tools.

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