title: node.js minimal setup and for what is the package.json?
body: <p>So i start off with writing my own node.js app and the only thing i want is to include a package for saml.</p>
  
  <p>So i was wondering what is the minimal requirement for my app.</p>
  
  <p>I was just creating a node.js file and then i installed the package by:
  <code>node install some-saml-passports-package</code>.</p>
  
  <p>I got this warning after installation:</p>
  
  <pre><code>npm WARN enoent ENOENT: no such file or directory, open '.../mynodeapp/package.json'
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I removed the package and created a <code>package.json</code> file. Which results in a parsing error because there was no content inside.</p>
  
  <p>I have read that I only need a <code>package.json</code> when I plan to create my own package. Also I read something about local and global installation of package files in npm. Well, i need a bit of clarification for my doing.</p>
  
  <p>What is the use of <code>package.json</code>?<br>
  Do I need it when I only want to create a standalone app in node with one dependency to an existing package?<br>
  Is it recommended even if I don't need it at all?</p>