Introduction to NVM

What is NVM?

NVM (Node Version Manager) is a tool that allows you to easily install, manage, and work with multiple Node.js versions on your system. It provides a command-line interface to switch between different versions of Node.js, ensuring that you can use the specific version required for each of your projects.

There are two main implementations of NVM:

1. nvm-windows: A Windows-specific implementation
2. nvm-sh: The original implementation for Unix-like systems (Linux, macOS, WSL)

This documentation covers both implementations, with specific sections for each when their usage differs.

Why Use NVM?

Multiple Node.js Versions

Different projects may require different Node.js versions. With NVM, you can:

• Install multiple Node.js versions on a single machine
• Switch between versions with a simple command
• Set a default version for new terminal sessions
• Use project-specific Node.js versions via .nvmrc files

Testing Across Versions

NVM makes it easy to test your code against different Node.js versions to ensure compatibility.

Staying Up-to-Date

NVM allows you to easily upgrade to the latest Node.js versions while keeping older versions available for legacy projects.

Avoiding Permission Issues

Installing Node.js globally often leads to permission issues when installing global packages. NVM installs Node.js in your user directory, avoiding these common permission problems.

Key Features

For nvm-windows

• Install and manage multiple Node.js versions on Windows
• Switch between Node.js versions with a simple command
• Set a default Node.js version
• Use .nvmrc files for project-specific versions
• Configure mirrors for faster downloads in certain regions
• Support for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures

For nvm-sh (Linux/macOS/WSL)

• Install and manage multiple Node.js versions
• Automatic version switching based on .nvmrc files
• Support for bash, zsh, and other shells
• Extensive scripting capabilities
• Support for custom installation directories

Getting Started

To get started with NVM, you'll need to:

1. Download the appropriate version for your operating system
2. Install NVM on your system
3. Learn the basic usage of NVM commands

Comparison with Other Tools

NVM vs. Direct Node.js Installation

Feature	NVM	Direct Node.js Installation
Multiple versions	✅ Yes	❌ No
Easy version switching	✅ Yes	❌ No
Project-specific versions	✅ Yes	❌ No
Permission issues	✅ Avoided	❌ Common
Initial setup	More steps	Simpler

NVM vs. Other Version Managers

There are several other Node.js version managers available:

• n: A simpler Node.js version manager for Unix-like systems
• nodenv: Inspired by rbenv, for Unix-like systems
• nodist: An alternative for Windows
• volta: A newer tool that manages JavaScript tools beyond just Node.js

NVM remains one of the most popular and well-maintained options with strong community support.

Next Steps

Now that you understand what NVM is and its benefits, you can:

• Download NVM for your operating system
• Follow the installation guide to set up NVM
• Learn the basic commands to manage your Node.js versions
• Configure mirrors for faster downloads (if needed)
• Check the FAQ for common questions and troubleshooting