How to install NVM – Node Version Manager

In this blog post, we will discuss how to install and use NVM (Node Version Manager) on various operating systems. NVM is a handy tool that allows developers to switch between different Node.js versions quickly and easily. This is especially useful when working on multiple projects that require different Node.js versions. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate developer, understanding how to install and manage NVM is crucial for efficiently working with Node.js. So, let's dive into the world of NVM and learn how to set it up on Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.

What is NVM?

NVM (Node Version Manager) is a command-line utility that allows developers to manage multiple Node.js versions easily. NVM provides a simple interface to install, switch, and remove Node.js versions, enabling developers to work on different projects without worrying about compatibility issues. With NVM, you can run multiple Node.js versions on the same machine, making it an essential tool for Node.js developers.

Installing NVM on Windows

To install NVM on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Download the NVM Windows installer from the NVM for Windows GitHub repository.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Once the installation is complete, open a new command prompt or PowerShell window.
4. Verify the installation by running the following command:

nvm --version

If everything is set up correctly, you should see the NVM version number.

Installing NVM on macOS

To install NVM on macOS, follow these steps:

1. Open your terminal.
2. Install NVM by running the following command:

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

3. After the installation is complete, close and reopen your terminal.
4. Verify the installation by running the following command:

nvm --version

If everything is set up correctly, you should see the NVM version number.

Installing NVM on Linux

To install NVM on Linux, follow these steps:

1. Open your terminal.
2. Install NVM by running the following command:

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

3. After the installation is complete, close and reopen your terminal.
4. Verify the installation by running the following command:

nvm --version

If everything is set up correctly, you should see the NVM version number.

Using NVM

Now that you have NVM installed on your system, let's take a look at how to use it to manage Node.js versions.

Listing Available Node.js Versions

To list the available Node.js versions, run the following command:

nvm ls-remote

This will display a list of available Node.js versions that you can install using NVM.

Installing a Specific Node.js Version

To install a specific Node.js version, run the following command:

nvm install <version>

Replace <version> with the desired Node.js version number.

For example, to install Node.js v14.18.1, run:

nvm install 14.18.1

Switching Between Node.js Versions

To switch between installed Node.js versions, run the following command:

nvm use <version>

Replace <version> with the desired Node.js version number.

For example, to switch to Node.js v14.18.1, run:

nvm use 14.18.1

Removing Node.js Versions

To remove a specific Node.js version, run the following command:

nvm uninstall <version>

Replace <version> with the desired Node.js version number.

For example, to remove Node.js v14.18.1, run:

nvm uninstall 14.18.1

FAQ

1. Why should I use NVM?

NVM allows you to manage multiple Node.js versions on your machine, making it easier to work on different projects that require different Node.js versions. It also simplifies the process of installing, updating, and removing Node.js versions.

2. How do I set a default Node.js version with NVM?

To set a default Node.js version, run the following command:

nvm alias default <version>

Replace <version> with the desired Node.js version number.

3. How do I list the currently installed Node.js versions?

To list the currently installed Node.js versions, run the following command:

nvm ls

4. Can I use NVM with other programming languages?

NVM is specifically designed for managing Node.js versions. However, there are similar tools for other programming languages, such as RVM for Ruby and pyenv for Python.

5. Is NVM compatible with all operating systems?

NVM is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. The installation process is slightly different for each operating system, but the commands for managing Node.js versions are the same across all platforms.

Conclusion

NVM is an invaluable tool for Node.js developers who need to work with multiple Node.js versions. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily install NVM on your system and start managing Node.js versions like a pro. And, as always, if you're looking to further enhance your Node.js skills, check out codedamn for informative tutorials and interactive coding exercises.