[BUG] Running `npm install` updates package.json timestamp

[coreyfarrell]

Current Behavior:

Running npm install with no arguments causes the timestamp of package.json to be touched.

Expected Behavior:

package.json should not be written.

Steps To Reproduce:

1. Enter a directory with a valid package.json, observe the timestamp.
2. Run npm install
3. See that the package.json timestamp is updated.
4. Wait a minute and repeat step 2-3, you see will se timestamp update again.

Environment:

• OS: Fedora 32
• Node: 15.8.0
• npm: 7.5.4

Additional comment

This creates problems/annoyances for other programs that are watching for file updates. In my case running npm install causes my text editor to ask if I want to reload the file.

[lumaxis]

Looks like this should have been fixed in 7.5.5, can this issue be closed?
@coreyfarrell Have you had a chance to validate that you're not seeing this anymore with the latest fixes?

[coreyfarrell]

Yes this appears to be resolved (tested with 7.6.0).