Effortless Node.js Version Management with NVM
As developers, we know that working on multiple projects simultaneously can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to managing different versions of software. Node.js is no exception. With the constant evolution of technology, versioning issues can arise, causing frustration and wasted time. That’s where Node Version Manager (NVM) comes in – a game-changing tool that allows you to quickly install Node versions directly from the CLI and effortlessly switch between them.
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 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 and 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
In conclusion, 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. Try it out today and take your Node.js development to the next level!