Could pnpm's unique symlinking structure be a cause for this error, and how can it be mitigated?

Yes, pnpm's strict symlinking structure, which creates a content-addressable `node_modules` store and flat `node_modules` for project dependencies, can sometimes cause issues if not understood. While generally robust, specific build tools or older Node.js versions might struggle with deeply nested symlinks. To mitigate: 1. **Ensure direct dependency:** Always add `@prisma/client` directly to your project's `package.json`. 2. **Run `pnpm install` in the correct directory:** Make sure you execute `pnpm install` at the root of the project that uses Prisma. 3. **Check `hoist-pattern` (monorepos):** If in a monorepo, ensure `hoist-pattern` in `.npmrc` doesn't inadvertently prevent `@prisma/client` from being correctly linked if a strict hoisting strategy is desired. However, the default strictness is usually beneficial.