What should I do if `npm init` reports a JSON parsing or syntax error?

While `npm init` typically creates a `package.json`, it might encounter JSON-related errors if an existing, malformed `package.json` is present in the directory, or if interactive input leads to invalid JSON. 1. **Inspect Existing `package.json`:** If you have an existing `package.json` file in your directory, open it and carefully check for syntax errors such as missing commas, unclosed brackets or braces, incorrect quotes, or other malformed JSON structures. Use an online JSON validator if unsure. 2. **Backup and Delete:** If the existing `package.json` is problematic and you don't need its contents, back it up and delete it. Then, run `npm init` again, allowing it to create a fresh one. 3. **Use Default Values or `npm init -y`:** During the interactive `npm init` prompts, avoid complex inputs. Pressing Enter for most prompts will use default values. Alternatively, `npm init -y` will generate a `package.json` with default values without any prompts, reducing the chance of input-related JSON errors.