install webpack using npm gives max call stack exceeded errror - npm

Question

npm i -D webpack
gives me the
npm ERR! Maximum call stack size exceeded
do i need to run the below command to install webpack
npm install --no-optional webpack --save-dev
why i am not able to install webpack with npm i webpack ?
i am using below versions
node - 8.11.1
npm -5.6.0
package.json
"dependencies": {
"react": "^16.5.2",
"react-dom": "^16.5.2"
},
"devDependencies": {
"babel": "^6.23.0",
"babel-core": "^6.26.3",
"babel-loader": "^8.0.4",
"babel-preset-env": "^1.7.0",
"babel-preset-react": "^6.24.1",
"html-webpack-plugin": "^3.2.0",
"http-server": "^0.11.1",
"webpack-cli": "^3.1.2",
"webpack-dev-server": "^3.1.9"
}

Answer 1

I would recommend the installation process as described on the webpack website
npm install --save-dev webpack
Or if you want a specific version
npm install --save-dev webpack#<version>
Note: If your using webpack v4 or later you also need to install the CLI
npm install --save-dev webpack-cli
If --save-dev argument doesn't work try deleting package-lock.json and retry
If you're still experiencing problems, here's a link to a GitHub issue with more solutions