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Arnav Sharma
Arnav Sharma

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Why Use NVM? Manage Node.js Versions Like a Pro

#node #nvm #programming #productivity

Ever been stuck with a project that only works with Node.js v14 while your system has v22?

That’s where NVM (Node Version Manager) saves the day. If you're a JavaScript or Node.js developer, using NVM is almost essential. Let's break down why you should use NVM and how to set it up in less than 5 minutes.

🤔 Why Use NVM?

1. Switch Between Node.js Versions Effortlessly

Projects often require different Node.js versions. With NVM, you can switch between them with a single command:

nvm use 18
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2. Isolate Project Dependencies

Avoid global conflicts. Each project can use its own Node.js version, so you're never stuck debugging weird issues due to mismatched versions.

3. Avoid Breaking Global Installs

Upgrading Node globally can break tools like npm, yarn, or next. NVM keeps it safe by isolating installs.

4. Great for Open Source Contributions

Many open-source projects specify a Node.js version in .nvmrc. With NVM, all you need is:

nvm use
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…and you're good to go.

🛠️ How to Install NVM (Mac/Linux)

Step 1: Install via cURL or Wget 

# using curl
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash

# or using wget
wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash
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Step 2: Add NVM to your shell profile

After installation, add this to your .bashrc, .zshrc, or .profile:

export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"
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Then restart your terminal or run:

source ~/.bashrc
# or
source ~/.zshrc
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Step 3: Verify Installation 

nvm --version
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You should see something like 0.39.7.

⚡ Using NVM

Install a Node version 

nvm install 20
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Use a specific version 

nvm use 20
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Set default version 

nvm alias default 20
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Check installed versions 

nvm ls
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📁 Bonus: Use .nvmrc for Project-Level Versioning

Add a .nvmrc file in your project root:

echo "18" > .nvmrc
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Now, whenever you're in the project directory:

nvm use
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📦 Windows? Try nvm-windows

If you're on Windows, use the nvm-windows fork:

  • Download the installer from the release page
  • Follow the setup instructions
  • Done!

🚀 Final Thoughts

Whether you're working solo or contributing to multiple projects, NVM makes your Node.js workflow cleaner and safer. No more "version not supported" errors, no more global chaos.

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