"Package name too similar" rule & renaming a package

[gwennlbh]

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I made a package called swarpc -- which stands for "service worker & remote procedure call"

however, i just learned about web workers, and how they're much more appropriate for off-ui-thread computing than SWs, and I kind of have to change the package name.

I can unpublish the package (there aren't any dependents yet), but I'm afraid that I won't be able to publish a new package named warpc or maybe wwarpc because of the "package name too similar" rule.

Is there a way around this? The package naming guidelines are quite vague and don't really answer this question

[allandiegoasilva]

You can publish the new package using a scope (@yourname/warpc) — this usually avoids similar name blocking.
If you're still blocked, contact npm support explaining that you're the author of the previous package and simply want to rename it.

[sathishk-dev]

npm has automated checks that prevent publishing a new package if the name is too similar to an existing one, even if the original has been unpublished. This is primarily to prevent typosquatting or confusion.

you can do:
Try publishing the new name first:
Before unpublishing swarpc, try publishing warpc or wwarpc. If it's not blocked, you’re good to go.

If it's blocked:
Reach out directly to npm support with:

• A brief explanation of the situation.
• Proof that you're the owner of swarpc.
• Your intended new name (warpc, etc.).
• Reason for the rename (technical pivot from Service Workers to Web Workers).

The npm team can manually review and potentially allow the new name, especially if it’s for a legitimate technical rebrand and there’s no intent to mislead users.

Avoid extremely similar names:
Even if you get around the restriction, consider choosing a name that’s more distinct from swarpc, especially if you plan to keep both public for a time. This avoids confusion in documentation and usage.

Check availability first:
You can always use the command:

npm view warpc

to see if the name is already taken, or

npm search warpc

to check for conflicts.

[aravinth442002]

thanks for the response

[tw181802]

npm usually lets you grab any unused name, even if it looks like your old one. So if warpc or wwarpc aren’t taken, you’re good. Just check with npm info and try publishing. No strict “too similar” rule to freak out about. If you hit a wall, hit up npm support or tweak the name a bit.

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[danyal031]

[gwennlbh]

if i wanted chatgpt to answer i wouldve asked it directly lol

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