I've been using NodeJS for about 5 years and have never seen the init usage you're talking about. `npm init` initialises your new project. At least I think that's the case, because I've never run that command. I just create a package.json file myself. Also, I use yarn instead of npm. But of course, because change, there is now a new way to use init that you just alerted me to. It sure seems like an unnecessary complication. I recommend using yarn, by the way.