>In order to avoid processing the <code>node_modules</code> folder repeatedly, npm as
of v7 uses a "hidden" lockfile present in
<code>node_modules/.package-lock.json</code>.  This contains information about the
tree, and is used in lieu of reading the entire <code>node_modules</code> hierarchy
provided that the following conditions are met:</p>
<ul>
<li>All package folders it references exist in the <code>node_modules</code> hierarchy.</li>
<li>No package folders exist in the <code>node_modules</code> hiera