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- Keep recommendations, enforced limits, exceptions, and unstated details distinct.
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Source-backed platform rule
pnpm frozen-lockfile install behavior
pnpm freezes lockfile generation only when the behavior is enabled, with the documented CI default conditional on an existing lockfile.
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Direct answer
What is the rule?
When pnpm frozen-lockfile behavior is enabled, it does not generate a lockfile and installation fails if the lockfile is out of sync, needs an update, or is absent. The documented default is false outside CI and true in CI only when a lockfile is already present.
- Scope
- pnpm workspace, lockfile, dependency-build, and publish rules
- Human verified
- August 14, 2026
- Source checked
- September 3, 2026
Published evidence
Rule details
Frozen-lockfile install behavior
The failure contract applies only when frozen-lockfile behavior is enabled. pnpm then does not generate a lockfile and fails installation when the lockfile is out of sync with the manifest, needs an update, or is absent. The documented default is false outside CI and true in CI only when a lockfile is already present.
Applicability
Service: pnpm. Rule group: lockfile-integrity. Scope is limited to this exact topic and every source-stated qualifier.
Evidence trail
Official sources
- pnpm frozen-lockfile install behavior
pnpm · verified August 14, 2026
Attribution and license
pnpm documentation by Zoltan Kochan and other contributors, Copyright (c) 2016-2022 Zoltan Kochan and other contributors. Source: https://github.com/pnpm/pnpm.io/tree/a50b57862a9e967d6ea0abe5a2c5e335ec24ebd2. Licensed under the MIT License: https://github.com/pnpm/pnpm.io/blob/a50b57862a9e967d6ea0abe5a2c5e335ec24ebd2/LICENSE. Modified by RuleRoster: RuleRoster extracted and restructured facts into typed rule fields and concise answers. Verified 2026-08-14. No endorsement by pnpm or its contributors is implied. Project names and marks remain descriptive source identifiers only.
Interpretation and accountability
How to use this record
Record dates
- Published
- August 15, 2026
- Human verified
- August 14, 2026
- Source checked
- September 3, 2026
- Review due
- September 4, 2026
Challenge this record
If the source or summary appears wrong, submit precise evidence for human review.