Fix: Ultracite Init Failed In Turborepo Monorepo

Aug 4, 2025 by Omar Yusuf 49 views

Troubleshooting "Failed to Initialize Ultracite" in a Turborepo npm Monorepo: A Debugging Guide

Hey guys! Ever run into the dreaded "Failed to Initialize Ultracite" error when trying to set up your Turborepo monorepo with npm? It's a real head-scratcher, but don't sweat it! This guide will walk you through debugging this issue, so you can get your project up and running smoothly. We'll break down the problem, explore potential causes, and offer step-by-step solutions to help you tackle this common roadblock. Let's dive in and get this fixed!

Understanding the Error: Failed to Initialize Ultracite

When you encounter the "Failed to Initialize Ultracite" error in a Turborepo npm monorepo, it typically means that the Ultracite initialization process has hit a snag. This can happen for various reasons, but it usually boils down to issues with your npm configuration, workspace setup, or dependency installation. The error message itself, like the one reported by haydenbleasel, often provides valuable clues. For instance, the npm error No workspaces found: --workspace=. message suggests that npm is having trouble locating your workspaces, which is a critical part of a monorepo setup. Understanding this core issue is the first step towards resolving the problem. We need to figure out why npm can't find the workspaces, and that will often lead us to the root cause of the Ultracite initialization failure. So, let's dig deeper and explore the common culprits behind this error.

Common Causes

Several factors can contribute to this error, and pinpointing the exact cause is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Here are some of the most common reasons why you might be seeing the "Failed to Initialize Ultracite" message:

Incorrect package.json Configuration: The package.json file at the root of your monorepo is the central control point. If the workspaces field is missing, misconfigured, or doesn't accurately reflect your directory structure, npm won't be able to identify your workspaces. This is a primary suspect when you see errors related to workspaces not being found. A simple typo or an incorrect path can throw the whole process off.
NPM Version Compatibility: Older versions of npm might not fully support monorepo features or have compatibility issues with Turborepo. Using a version that's outdated or doesn't play well with the tools you're using can lead to unexpected errors during installation and initialization. It's always a good idea to check the compatibility requirements of both Turborepo and Ultracite and ensure your npm version meets those.
Missing or Incorrect Dependencies: Ultracite relies on certain dependencies to function correctly. If these dependencies are not installed or if there are version conflicts, the initialization process can fail. This is where carefully examining your package.json and ensuring all required packages are present and at the correct versions becomes important.
Conflicting Global Installations: Sometimes, global installations of packages can interfere with your project's local dependencies. This can create conflicts and prevent Ultracite from initializing properly. It's a good practice to try and minimize global installations and rely more on project-specific dependencies.
Caching Issues: npm caches packages to speed up installation, but sometimes this cache can become corrupted or outdated, leading to errors. Clearing the cache can often resolve these types of issues and allow for a fresh installation.

By understanding these potential causes, you're already one step closer to solving the problem. Let's move on to how you can actually debug this error and get things working.

Step-by-Step Debugging Guide

Alright, guys, let's get our hands dirty and debug this "Failed to Initialize Ultracite" error. Here's a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

1. Verify Your `package.json` Configuration

This is where we start because a misconfigured package.json is often the culprit. Open the package.json file at the root of your monorepo and double-check the following:

workspaces Field: Make sure the workspaces field exists and accurately lists the paths to your workspace directories. These paths are relative to the root of your monorepo. For example:
```
{
  "name": "my-monorepo",
  "private": true,
  "workspaces": [
    "packages/*",
    "apps/*"
  ],
  /* ... */
}
```
Ensure the paths match your actual directory structure. A simple typo here can cause npm to fail to recognize your workspaces.
private Field: The private: true field is common in monorepos to prevent accidental publishing of the root package. Ensure this is set correctly if you intend to keep your monorepo private.
packageManager Field: Verify that the packageManager field specifies the correct npm version. This helps ensure consistency across your development team. For example: "packageManager": "[email protected]".

2. Check Your npm Version

Using an incompatible npm version can lead to all sorts of issues. Make sure you're using a version that's compatible with both Turborepo and Ultracite. You can check your npm version by running:

npm -v

Refer to the documentation for Turborepo and Ultracite to determine the recommended npm versions. If your version is outdated, you can update it using:

npm install -g npm@latest

3. Install Dependencies Manually

Sometimes, the automated installation process can fail. Try installing Ultracite and its dependencies manually to see if that resolves the issue. Navigate to the root of your monorepo and run:

npm install -D ultracite @biomejs/biome@latest

This command installs Ultracite and Biome as dev dependencies. If you encounter any errors during this process, they might provide more specific clues about the problem.

4. Clear the npm Cache

As mentioned earlier, a corrupted npm cache can cause installation issues. Clear the cache using:

npm cache clean --force

Then, try running the Ultracite initialization command again.

5. Remove `node_modules` and `package-lock.json`

This is a more drastic step, but it can often resolve dependency-related issues. Delete the node_modules directory and the package-lock.json file at the root of your monorepo. Then, run:

npm install

to reinstall all dependencies.

6. Try Running Ultracite Without the `--workspace` Flag

The error message npm error No workspaces found: --workspace=. suggests that the --workspace flag might be causing issues. Try running the Ultracite initialization command without this flag:

npx ultracite init

If this works, it indicates that the --workspace flag is unnecessary in your case and might be interfering with the process.

7. Examine the npm Debug Log

The error message often includes a path to a debug log file. This log contains detailed information about the npm process, including any errors or warnings. Open the log file (e.g., C:\Users\THOBAS\AppData\Local\npm-cache\_logs\2025-08-04T10_56_33_125Z-debug-0.log) and look for any clues that might explain the failure. Pay attention to error messages, stack traces, and warnings.

8. Check for Conflicting Global Installations

List your globally installed packages using:

npm list -g --depth 0

If you see any packages that might conflict with Ultracite or its dependencies, try uninstalling them and then running the initialization command again.

9. Consult Turborepo and Ultracite Documentation

Both Turborepo and Ultracite have excellent documentation that can provide valuable insights and troubleshooting tips. Refer to their respective websites for detailed information and examples.

Real-World Example and Solution

Let's take the specific scenario reported by haydenbleasel as an example. The error message npm error No workspaces found: --workspace=. is a key clue. This suggests that npm is having trouble identifying the workspaces defined in the package.json file. Given the provided package.json snippet, the workspaces field seems correctly configured.

The most likely cause in this case is the unnecessary use of the --workspace . flag in the Ultracite initialization command. This flag is intended for installing dependencies within a specific workspace, but if the goal is to install dependencies in the root package.json, it's not needed and can actually cause issues.

Solution:

Try running the Ultracite initialization command without the --workspace flag:

npx ultracite init ```

If that doesn't work, manually install Ultracite and Biome as dev dependencies in the root package.json:

npm install -D ultracite @biomejs/biome@latest ```

By removing the unnecessary --workspace flag or manually installing the dependencies, the issue should be resolved.

Prevention Tips

Prevention is always better than cure, right? Here are some tips to help you avoid the "Failed to Initialize Ultracite" error in the first place:

Keep Your Dependencies Up-to-Date: Regularly update your dependencies to the latest versions to avoid compatibility issues and benefit from bug fixes.
Use a Consistent npm Version: Ensure that all members of your team are using the same npm version to prevent inconsistencies and errors.
Validate Your package.json: Double-check your package.json configuration, especially the workspaces field, to ensure it's accurate.
Test in a Clean Environment: Before deploying changes, test your setup in a clean environment to catch any potential issues early.
Read the Documentation: Familiarize yourself with the documentation for Turborepo, Ultracite, and npm to understand best practices and troubleshooting tips.

Conclusion

The "Failed to Initialize Ultracite" error in a Turborepo npm monorepo can be frustrating, but it's usually solvable with a systematic debugging approach. By understanding the common causes, following the step-by-step guide, and implementing preventive measures, you can overcome this hurdle and get your project moving forward. Remember to carefully examine error messages, consult documentation, and don't hesitate to ask for help from the community if you get stuck. Happy coding, guys!