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NVM Basic Notes

Node Version Manager (NVM) is a tool that allows you to easily manage multiple versions of Node.js on a single machine. This guide will walk you through how to use NVM effectively.

Table of Contents​

  1. Installation
  2. Basic NVM Commands
  3. Additional NVM Commands
  4. Managing Node Versions
  5. Working with Packages
  6. Aliases and Version Management
  7. Additional NVM Features
  8. Examples of Common Commands
  9. Notes

Installation​

To install NVM, follow the instructions in the official NVM repository.

Basic NVM Commands​

Check Node Version​

node -v || node --version

Displays the current version of Node.js installed.

List Locally Installed Versions of Node​

nvm ls

Shows all the versions of Node.js installed on your machine.

List Remote Available Versions of Node​

nvm ls-remote

Displays all the Node.js versions available for installation.

Install a Specific Version of Node​

nvm install <version>

Installs the specified Node.js version. For example:

nvm install 18.16.1

Install Latest LTS (Long Term Support) Version of Node​

nvm install --lts

Installs the latest LTS version of Node.js.

Install Latest Stable Version of Node​

nvm install stable

Installs the latest stable version of Node.js.

Switch Node Version​

nvm use <version>

Switches to the specified version of Node.js. For example:

nvm use 20.5.1

Set Default Version of Node​

nvm alias default <version>

Sets a default version of Node.js to be used in new terminals. For example:

nvm alias default 18.16.1

Additional NVM Commands​

Run a Node.js Script with a Specific Version​

nvm run <version> <script.js>

Runs a Node.js script with the specified version of Node.js. For example:

nvm run 6.10.3 app.js

Execute a Command with a Specific Node Version​

nvm exec <version> <command>

Executes a command using the specified version of Node.js. For example:

nvm exec 4.8.3 node app.js

Set Alias for a Node Version​

nvm alias <alias_name> <version>

Creates an alias for a Node.js version. For example:

nvm alias default 8.1.0

Use the Latest Version of Node​

nvm use node

Switches to the latest version of Node.js.

Use the Latest LTS Version of Node​

nvm use --lts

Switches to the latest LTS version of Node.js.

Managing Node Versions​

Uninstall a Specific Node Version​

nvm uninstall <version>

Uninstalls the specified version of Node.js. For example:

nvm uninstall 6.9.2

Uninstall the Latest LTS Version​

nvm uninstall --lts

Removes the latest LTS version of Node.js.

Uninstall NVM​

To remove or uninstall NVM, delete the $NVM_DIR folder (usually located at ~/.nvm).

Working with Packages​

Install Global Packages for a Specific Node Version​

nvm exec <version> npm install -g <package>

Installs a package globally for a specific Node.js version.

List Global Packages for the Current Node Version​

nvm exec current npm list -g --depth=0

Lists all global packages for the currently active Node.js version.

Install Local Packages for a Specific Node Version​

nvm use <version>
npm install <package>

Installs a package locally for the specific Node.js version.

Aliases and Version Management​

Set Default Node Version​

nvm alias default <version>

Sets the default Node.js version for new terminals.

Delete an Alias​

nvm unalias <alias_name>

Removes the specified alias.

Check Node Executable Path​

nvm which <version>

Displays the path to the Node.js executable for the specified version.

Additional NVM Features​

Reinstall Global Packages​

nvm reinstall-packages <version>

Reinstalls global packages from the current version to another version.

Migrate Global Packages​

nvm migrate <version>

Migrates global packages from one version of Node.js to another.

Deactivate the Current Node Version​

nvm deactivate

Deactivates the currently active Node.js version.

Update NVM​

nvm upgrade

Updates NVM to the latest version.

Examples of Common Commands​

Install a Specific Version of Node.js​

nvm install 8.0.0

Use a Specific Version of Node.js​

nvm use 8.0

Run a Script with a Specific Version of Node.js​

nvm run 6.10.3 app.js

Execute a Command with a Specific Version of Node.js​

nvm exec 4.8.3 node app.js

Set an Alias for a Node Version​

nvm alias default 8.1.0

Use the Latest LTS Version of Node.js​

nvm use --lts

Notes:​

  • To completely uninstall NVM, delete the $NVM_DIR folder (typically located in ~/.nvm).
  • Always check the Node.js version you're using by running: 
    node -v

Compiled all the essential commands in one place to make NVM usage simple and efficient. Happy coding!