Is there an existing issue for this?

• I have searched the existing issues
  To pick up a draggable item, press the space bar. While dragging, use the arrow keys to move the item. Press space again to drop the item in its new position, or press escape to cancel.

This issue exists in the latest npm version

• I am using the latest npm
  To pick up a draggable item, press the space bar. While dragging, use the arrow keys to move the item. Press space again to drop the item in its new position, or press escape to cancel.

Current Behavior

Running npm install from a directory without a package.json creates a empty package.json file.
Additionally, running npm --prefix some-directory install will also create the directory.

Expected Behavior

100% of the time I have done this, it has been on accident and I then have to go and delete the directory and/or the package.json file it creates.

I think it would be better to add an error message output indicating that there is no package.json present in the directory or the directory doesn't exist, and then suggesting I run npm init instead.

Steps To Reproduce

1. Create a new temporary directory wherever mkdir temp
2. Enter the directory cd temp
3. npm --prefix temp2 install

Environment

• npm: 10.8.3
• Node.js: 22.9.0
• OS Name: MacOS Sonoma 14.6.1
• System Model Name: Apple M3 Pro