# `npm error code ENOENT: syscall open '.../package.json' — Could not read package.json`

**Where it appears:** Terminal

**What it means:** The terminal is running inside a folder that doesn't have your Next.js app in it yet.

## Likely causes

- The session was opened in the parent `Development` folder instead of your project's folder.
- The Next.js skeleton hasn't been created yet (`create-next-app` hasn't run).

## Message for your agent

```text
npm says it can't find package.json. Check which folder we're in (`pwd` and `ls`), and either move into the project folder or create the app skeleton if we haven't yet.
```

**Prevention:** Always open your agent session directly inside `Development/<your-project-name>`.

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Source: [Agentic Makers](https://agenticmakers.app/en/help/errors/enoent-could-not-read-package-json) · License: CC BY 4.0