Node.js is a powerful JavaScript environment, but working with different versions can be difficult, especially in long-term projects. Checking Node.js Version helps avoid compatibility issues, ensures application stability and keeps dependencies up to date.
Why Is This Important?
- Compatibility with projects and dependencies
- Different versions of Node.js can support different syntax and API capabilities.
- Some libraries require a specific version of Node.js to work properly.
- Ensuring stability and security
- The new versions contain vulnerability fixes and performance improvements.
- Using outdated versions can make the system vulnerable.
- Design flexibility
- Ability to quickly switch between versions to work on different projects.
- Easy to test code on different versions of Node.js without reinstallation.
- Compliance with production environment requirements
- It is significant that the version of Node.js on the local machine corresponds to the one used in the production.
- This prevents unexpected errors during a disaster.
In this article created together with https://celadonsoft.com/node-js-development-company Node.js development company Celadonsoft, we will cover how to check the current version of Node.js, which tools will help manage versions and which practices will help maintain development stability.
How to Check the Current Version of node.js on Your Computer
Before you install or change the version of Node.js, it is important Checking Node.js Version is already installed on your system. This will help avoid conflicts and make sure your project is running in the correct environment.
1. Using the Command Line
The easiest way to know the current version of Node.js is to use the command line. Open the terminal and type:
//
node -v
//
or
//
node --version
//In response, you will receive the version number of the installed version, for example: v18.17.0
2. Version Check npm
Since Node.js comes with npm (Node Package Manager), it is sometimes important to check its version as well. To do this, use the command:
//
npm -v
//You will see the current version number of npm, for example: 9.6.7
3. Checking Trough nvm
If your computer is running nvm (Node Version Manager), you can see the list of installed versions of Node.js with the command:
//
nvm list
//This command will show all available versions on your system and select the active version.
To specify which version is currently used in a specific terminal session, perform:
//
nvm current
//4. Possible Errors and Their Resolution
Sometimes when trying to find out the version of Node.js you may encounter errors, for example:
- Command node -v not found
This means that Node.js is not installed or added to the PATH variable. Try reinstalling Node.js.
- Incorrect version of Node.js is displayed
You may have multiple versions of Node.js installed, and the one you need is not active. Check the nvm list (if you use nvm) or specify paths in the system.
Overview of Popular Version Management Tools node.js
Celadonsoft: “Choosing the most suitable node.js version is a factor of application stability, security, and performance. However, with the passage of time, the project requirement may change, and the need to switch to a newer version becomes inevitable. Such version management becomes convenient for the developers with special Tools. Consider the top two most widely used ones: Nvm (Node Version Manager) and N.3. Overview of popular tools for managing node.js versions”
Choosing the right version of node.js is essential to the security, stability, and performance of the application. But as time goes by the project requirement may change and the need to switch to a different version becomes inevitable. The developers utilize Special Tools for hassle-free management of version. Look at the two most popular variants: Nvm (Node Version Manager)
and N.
nvm (Node Version Manager)
nvm is the most common Node.js versioning tool. It allows you to:
- Easy to install and switch between different versions of Node.js.
- Use different versions for different projects.
- Isolate environments, preventing dependency conflicts.
Main features of nvm:
- Works on macOS, Linux and Windows (via Windows Subsystem for Linux or nvm-windows).
- Allows you to download and install any available version of Node.js.
- Supports automatic version switching via .nvmrc.
When to use nvm?
If you are working on several projects with different requirements for the Node.js version or want to manage circles flexibly – nvm will be your best choice.
n (Node.js Version Management)
n is an alternative to nvm, which has its own simplicity and speed. It’s especially useful if you just need to change the version of Node.js.
What does n offer?
- Instant switching between versions.
- Minimal set of commands and simple installation.
- Support macOS and Linux (but not Windows).
Main features n:
- Works as a global npm-package (npm install -g n).
- Allows you to install the latest, stable, and LTS versions of Node.js.
- Does not require separate circle management like nvm.
When to choose n?
If you don’t need to support multiple environments and need a quick change of Node.js version on one machine, n is a great solution.
How to Install and Configure nvm for Version Control of node.js
Celadonsoft: “Node Version Manager (nvm) is one of the most convenient tools for managing Node.js versions. It allows you to install, switch and remove versions of Node.js without having to reinstall the entire environment. Consider the process of installing and configuring nvm for different operating systems.”
Installing nvm
macOS and Linux
- Download and install:
Open the terminal and execute command:
//
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.4/install.sh | bash
//If wget is used, it can be set as follows:
//
wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.4/install.sh | bash
//- Adding nvm to shell profile:
After installation, add the following string to ~/. bashrc, ~/. zshrc or ~/. profile:
//
export NVM_DIR="$HOME/. nvm"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"
//Then apply the changes:
//
source ~/. bashrc # or source ~/. zshrc
//- Check the installation:
Execute the command:
//
nvm --version
//If the nvm version is output, installation was successful.
Windows
Windows uses nvm-windows because the original nvm is not natively supported.
- Installer load:
Go to the nvm-windows repository and download the latest version of .exe.
- Installation and configuration:
Start the installer and follow the instructions.
After installation, restart the terminal and check version:
//
nvm version
//Switching Between Versions of Node.js Using nvm
After installing nvm, you can easily manage Node.js versions. Consider the basic commands.
Installing a New Version of Node.js
To install the right version of Node.js, use the command:
//
nvm install <version>
//Switching Between Versions
To switch to the already installed version, use the command:
//
nvm use <version>
//Automatic Version Selection for the Project (.nvmrc)
In each project, you can define which version of Node.js should be used. For this we create a file . nvmrc in the project root directory and specify the desired version:
//
echo "18.16.1" > . nvmrc
//Deleting Old Versions
If you no longer need a certain version of Node.js, you can delete it:
//
nvm uninstall <version>
//Browse the List of Available and Installed Versions
List of all available versions:
//
nvm ls-remote
//List of installed versions on the local machine:
//
nvm list
//Using nvm makes it much easier to manage Checking Node.js Version, especially when working with different projects that require different versions of the environment. This helps to avoid compatibility issues and maintain up-to-date versions depending on development requirements.
How to Manage Node.js Versions with N Tool
n is an alternative to nvm that provides a quick and easy way to manage Node.js versions. Unlike nvm, which works at the shell level, n is installed as a global npm package and manages versions directly.
Installation n
Before installing, make sure that you already have Node.js and npm installed. Then install n globally:
//
npm install -g n
//Check installation success:
//
n --version
//Installing and Switching Between Versions of Node.js
To install or update Node.js to the latest stable version, use the command:
//
n latest
//To install the latest LTS version:
//
n lts
//Install specific version:
//
n 18.16.1
//Switch to already installed version:
//
n use 16.14.0
//Removing Unwanted Versions
Although n does not automatically delete versions, you can manually clear the unwanted ones:
//
rm -rf /usr/local/n/versions/node/<version>
//When to Use n Instead of nvm?
If you want simplicity: n is easier to use, as it does not require switching between terminal sessions.
If you do not need to manage multiple versions simultaneously: n changes the version globally for the whole system, not for specific sessions.
Conclusion: Best Practices for Stable and Safe Use of Different Versions of Node.js
In order to manage Node.js versions effectively and ensure project stability, it is important to follow a few key principles.
Main Recommendations
- Use nvm or n to manage versions, depending on the task.
- Follow the updates of Node.js and update as needed.
- Check the compatibility of dependencies before upgrading to a new version.
- Include .nvmrc files in projects to automatically use the desired version.
- Test the upgrade in an isolated environment before the emergency in the production.
Node.js versioning is a simple process that can significantly improve the stability and security of your development. Timely updating and a good approach to version selection will help avoid many problems and simplify work with modern tools.