Inter-Process Lockfile Utility

proper-lockfile is a robust JavaScript utility for managing inter-process and inter-machine file locks across local and network file systems. Currently at version 4.1.2, it is actively maintained with updates released as needed. Its core design uses an atomic `mkdir` strategy for lockfile creation, which is more reliable than `open` with `O_EXCL` flags, especially on network file systems (NFS) where `O_EXCL` is prone to race conditions. The library differentiates itself by constantly updating the lockfile's `mtime` (modified time) to accurately check for staleness, a significant improvement over `ctime` (creation time) for long-running processes. Furthermore, it incorporates mechanisms to detect when a lockfile might be compromised due to failed updates or unexpected delays, enhancing overall reliability compared to alternatives.