title: npm environment or shell to run dependent modules locally
body: <p>Does <code>npm</code> has a shell or environment inbuilt, which can be used to run <code>node</code> <code>modules</code> installed locally ?</p>
  
  <p>Ex:</p>
  
  <p>I have <code>nodeunit</code>, <code>eslint</code> and other packages listed in my <code>dependencies</code>. I can run commands provided by these dependencies from <code>npm scripts</code> like:</p>
  
  <pre><code>"lint": "eslint .",
  "test": "nodeunit test/*js",
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>These commands cannot be run outside <code>npm scripts</code>. I know, with a small configuration we can achieve this (by updating the <code>PATH</code> with <code>node_modules/.bin</code>), but I am wondering if there is <code>npm</code> way of doing this (something like <code>npm shell</code> which would enable this).</p>
  
  <p>In other words:</p>
  
  <p>In my project dir I will not be able to run this: <code>nodeunit .</code> because <code>nodeunit</code> is not available in the <code>PATH</code>. When I execute <code>npm test</code>, <code>npm</code> adds <code>node_modules/.bin</code> to <code>PATH</code>, hence <code>nodeunit</code> is available under <code>npm test</code> script. My question is: Is there a <code>npm</code> way which will enables us to execute these commands in the project directory without using them in <code>npm scripts</code></p>