pnpm's CLI mirrors npm's enough that most muscle memory transfers, with a few intentional improvements.
pnpm add <pkg> adds a runtime dep. pnpm add -D <pkg> adds a dev dep. pnpm remove <pkg> removes one. pnpm install with no args installs everything from the lockfile. pnpm install --frozen-lockfile is pnpm's npm ci equivalent — strict, fast, and the right command for CI.
pnpm <script> runs scripts directly — no run needed. pnpm build works as shorthand for pnpm run build. Less typing, fewer gotchas.
pnpm dlx <tool> is pnpm's npx — runs a tool without installing it. pnpm dlx create-vite my-app is the new npx create-vite my-app.
pnpm store manages the global content-addressable store. pnpm store path shows where it lives; pnpm store status reports health; pnpm store prune deletes packages no project references anymore.
pnpm why <pkg> answers 'why is this in my dependency tree?' — the most useful debugging command for sprawling lock files.