Find out how to set up NVM on Mac for managing Node.js

Managing a number of variations of Node.js can really feel like juggling, particularly when one undertaking calls for model 14 and one other — model 16 (if you already know, you already know). Belief me; I’ve been there — up late, watching error messages as a result of a undertaking didn’t “like” my present Node.js model. That’s the place NVM (Node Model Supervisor) is available in.

Whether or not you’re a developer working legacy tasks, experimenting with the newest options, or simply studying Node.js for the primary time, NVM ensures you keep productive. Consider it as your Node.js “time machine” (aka Node model supervisor Mac), letting you bounce between variations.

If this sounds such as you, let me be your information (suppose Sam to Frodo) on the journey to put in NVM on Mac. I’ll break every part down step-by-step so it gained’t really feel like a solution to Mordor; you could have my promise. 

Conditions for putting in NVM on Mac

Earlier than we attempt to set up NVM macOS, let’s shortly go over just a few issues to set you up for a clean set up.

Right here’s what you’ll want right this moment:

• Terminal. It’s is your go-to device for working instructions. On the most recent macOS Sequoia and older variations as properly, you may open Terminal by urgent Command + Area, typing “Terminal,” and urgent Return. 
• Primary Terminal information. Don’t let the time period “primary” scare you. When you can sort instructions and press Return, you’re prepared. And I’ll stroll you thru every part step-by-step.
• Homebrew or MacPorts (Non-compulsory). These are package deal managers for putting in software program like NVM. Consider them as app shops in your Terminal. Although non-compulsory for this information, package deal managers like Homebrew can prevent numerous time by automating downloads, installations, and updates. When you don’t have one but, putting in Homebrew on a Mac is a strong selection — it’s easy, dependable, and, actually, means simpler than manually downloading stuff. 

Additionally, take a look at the way to uninstall Node.js on a Mac.

Putting in NVM utilizing curl or wget

Relating to putting in NVM, curl (a standard device already put in on most Macs) or wget (one other device for downloading information) is palms down the most well-liked and simple technique. This was the strategy I attempted first as a result of, actually, it appeared fast, and I used to be in a rush to repair a Node.js subject for a undertaking. 

Observe: curl vs. wget? Use whichever is accessible. curl is pre-installed on macOS, however you may set up wget through Homebrew (brew set up wget) if wanted. When you’re not sure which shell you’re utilizing, run echo $SHELL. Beginning with macOS Catalina, Zsh is the default shell, so most customers will edit ~/.zshrc.

Begin with Terminal

However earlier than we dive into the method, let’s begin with a circulation for Terminal, particularly should you’re new to macOS Sequoia. It’s nothing troublesome.

Right here’s what to do:

1. Press Command + Area and sort “Terminal” to open it.

2. Set up NVM:

3. Add the next traces to your shell configuration file to ensure NVM hundreds each time you open a Terminal:

• For Zsh (default on newer macOS variations), sort nano ~/.zshrc 

• For Bash (used on older macOS variations), sort nano ~/.bash_profile

4. Add the next traces to the file: export NVM_DIR=”$HOME/.nvm”

5. [ -s “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh” ] && . “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh”.

6. Activate the replace profile and sort supply ~/.zshrc (change ~/.zshrc with ~/.bash_profile should you’re utilizing Bash).

7. Verify if NVM is put in accurately and sort nvm –version.

When you see a model quantity, congratulations! You’ve put in NVM.

Private expertise: After I first put in NVM, I hit a bump: Xcode Command Line Instruments had been lacking. A fast repair: xcode-select –install. After working the curl command, including NVM to my shell profile, and making use of adjustments with supply ~/.zshrc, every part labored completely.

Putting in NVM utilizing Homebrew

When you love saving time and making life simpler, Homebrew is the best way to go when putting in NVM. It’s just like the Swiss Military knife of macOS instruments — easy, dependable, and handles all of the messy stuff for you. If the considered copying messy scripts makes you wish to run the opposite means (similar right here), Homebrew is your new finest good friend. It will get issues executed shortly and leaves you extra worthwhile time.

I beloved the primary time I used Homebrew. It felt like discovering a cheat code for my Mac. Belief me, when you strive it, you’ll marvel the way you ever managed with out it.

Right here’s how one can set up NVM with Homebrew:

1. Open Terminal and set up Homebrew (should you don’t have already got it put in) by typing
   /bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL https://uncooked.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/set up/HEAD/set up.sh)”.

2. Set up NVM with Homebrew by typing brew set up nvm.

3. Create the NVM listing and cargo NVM by typing mkdir ~/.nvm  export NVM_DIR=”$HOME/.nvm”  . “$(brew –prefix nvm)/nvm.sh”.  

4. Add the next traces to your shell configuration file to ensure NVM hundreds each time you open a Terminal:

• For Zsh (default on newer macOS variations), sort nano ~/.zshrc 

• For Bash (used on older macOS variations), sort nano ~/.bash_profile

5. Add the next traces to the file: export NVM_DIR=”$HOME/.nvm” [ -s “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh” ] && . “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh”.

6. Activate the replace profile and sort supply ~/.zshrc (change ~/.zshrc with ~/.bash_profile should you’re utilizing Bash).

7. Verify if NVM is put in accurately and sort nvm –version.

If the model quantity seems, congrats — you’ve efficiently put in NVM utilizing Homebrew! 

When NVM put in, I like to recommend testing your Node.js code utilizing CodeRunner. It’s a incredible IDE that helps a number of programming languages and makes debugging your code tremendous intuitive. It’s my go-to device for fast exams. For instance, should you’re engaged on a undertaking the place it’s worthwhile to check completely different Node.js variations, like ensuring it runs properly with each Node.js 14 and 18, you may simply swap between variations utilizing NVM and run your code proper in CodeRunner.

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Utilizing MacPorts to put in NVM

When you’re aware of MacPorts, it’s a strong possibility for putting in NVM. It retains issues easy and takes the stress out of managing software program in your Mac. I’ve used it earlier than on older macOS variations, and whereas it’s not the prettiest device, it’s dependable, and it will possibly truly allow you to with what you want. Typically, that’s all that issues.

Right here’s how you should use MacPorts to put in NVM:

1. Set up and open MacPorts utilizing the suitable macOS model.
2. Open Terminal and sort sudo port set up nvm to put in NVM through MacPorts.
3. Load NVM by updating your shell profile. Add to ~/.zshrc or ~/.bash_profile the next command: export NVM_DIR=”$HOME/.nvm” [ -s “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh” ] && . “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh”.
4. Apply the adjustments by working supply ~/.zshrc.
5. Confirm the set up utilizing: nvm –version.

When you see a model quantity, you’re able to go!

Putting in and managing a number of Node.js variations utilizing NVM

That is the place NVM appears like a lifesaver. I bear in mind engaged on two tasks on the similar time (which was my primary) — one wanted Node.js 14 for stability, and the opposite required Node.js 18 to make use of the newest options. With out NVM, switching variations was a nightmare of uninstalling, reinstalling, and praying nothing broke or received misplaced within the course of. As soon as I found NVM, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Right here’s how one can make managing Node.js variations easy:

• Set up a particular model. Let’s say you want Node.js 14. Simply run nvm set up 14, and NVM will obtain and set it up. It’s as simple as grabbing a espresso out of your favourite cafe — no drama.
• Swap between variations. Want to change to Node.js 16? Simply run nvm use 16, and also you’re there. I exploit this characteristic on a regular basis when testing updates in a sandbox surroundings.
• Set a default model. Bored with typing instructions each time? Use nvm alias default 14 to make Node.js 14 your go-to model. This fashion, it routinely hundreds while you open Terminal — excellent for long-term tasks.

With NVM, you may shortly check, debug, and run tasks in several Node.js environments with out breaking a sweat. I’ve saved numerous hours (and prevented loads of complications) by letting NVM deal with model administration for me. 

Find out how to set up NVM Mac: Recap

Managing Node.js on macOS is a lot simpler with NVM. Whether or not you put in it utilizing curl, Homebrew, or MacPorts, the method is easy and versatile. As soon as put in, switching between Node.js variations takes seconds, saving you from compatibility complications.

The instruments talked about, like CoreShell, CodeRunner, and SnippetsLab, make the method even smoother, and so they’re all accessible on Setapp. With a 7-day free trial, you may discover these apps and greater than 250 macOS and iOS others. Don’t wait — give Setapp a try to simplify your coding expertise.

FAQ

How do I do know if NVM is put in on my Mac?

To know if NVM is put in in your Mac, run nvm –version in Terminal. If it exhibits a model quantity, NVM is put in.

How do I set up NVM on Zsh?

To put in NVM on Zsh:

1. Run the next command in Terminal to put in NVM: curl -o- https://uncooked.githubusercontent…. | bash.

2. Open your Zsh configuration file: nano ~/.zshrc.

3. Add the next traces on the finish of the file: export NVM_DIR=”$HOME/.nvm”

4. [ -s “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh” ] && . “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh”.

5. Reload your Zsh configuration by working: supply ~/.zshrc.

6. Affirm that NVM is put in and dealing by typing: nvm –version.

How do I set the trail for NVM on Mac?

To set the trail for NVM on Mac, add export NVM_DIR=”$HOME/.nvm” [ -s “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh” ] && . “$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh” to your shell profile and run supply ~/.zshrc in Terminal.