Should I install node.js modules through npm install only? -

is difference npm install , move whole module folders? in fact, i'm trying deploy node app linux server, there problem npm install move node_modules folder entirely linux server, apparently no problem it.

is possible troubled way later?

npm install doesn't copy code internet node_modules. installation might compile code platform.

so if copying from/to same platform should ok. though modules might not work depending on environments.