Effortless Node.js Version Management with NVM

What is Node Version Manager (NVM)?

NVM is a convenient way to manage Node versions, enhancing development flexibility and environment control. It enables you to install multiple Node versions onto your machine at the same time and switch among them if needed. Similar to how package managers like npm or Yarn help manage Node packages, NVM specializes in the management of Node.js versions.

Why Do Node.js Developers Need NVM?

Developers who work with Node often encounter scenarios where they need to update a feature several months later on a machine running a different Node version. Without NVM, this can lead to errors regarding deprecated packages and wasted time. With NVM, you can easily switch between different Node versions, ensuring seamless development workflows.

Installing NVM

Before installing NVM, having a Node version on your machine isn’t necessary. You can install NVM independently of any existing installations on your system. To install NVM, run the following command on your terminal:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash

This script downloads the entire NVM repository to ~/.nvm and adds the source lines to the correct shell startup script.

Installing and Managing Multiple Node.js Versions

To install a Node version, simply run:

nvm install <version>

You can install multiple versions and switch among them using:

nvm use <version>

For example, you can install version 12.22.7 by running:

nvm install 12.22.7

Switching Among Node.js Versions

The best feature of NVM is the ability to easily switch between different Node versions. You can switch versions using:

nvm use <version>

Note that because each version installation is independent, global packages on previous versions installed will not be available on a new installation.

Removing a Node.js Version

With NVM, you can easily remove versions you don’t need. To remove a version, simply run:

nvm uninstall <version>

Troubleshooting NVM Installation

Sometimes, despite following the instructions, nothing seems to work. If you encounter issues with NVM installation, try troubleshooting by:

• Checking your PATH variable
• Ensuring that NVM is executable

Persisting Node Versions Between Shell Sessions

To set a default version of Node that can be used each time the terminal starts up, you can type:

nvm alias default <version>

This sets the default Node version to the specified version.

Streamlining Your Development Workflow

NVM is an essential tool for developers seeking to maintain productivity and compatibility across diverse Node.js environments. By streamlining the process of installing, switching, and removing Node.js versions, NVM ensures seamless development workflows.