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Asked: 2024-09-24T23:50:38+05:30

How can I configure NVM to automatically use a specific Node.js version by default when I open a new terminal session?

I’ve been diving into Node.js development lately, and I recently started using NVM (Node Version Manager) to manage my Node.js versions more easily. It’s a total game-changer when working on multiple projects with different version requirements. However, I stumbled upon a little hiccup that’s been bugging me.

Every time I open a new terminal session, I find myself having to run the command to set my favorite Node.js version manually. Honestly, it’s not a huge deal, but it can be kind of annoying when I’m switching between projects frequently. I want to configure NVM so that it automatically defaults to a specific Node.js version without having to run a command every single time.

I’ve done a bit of googling and found various options, but they seemed either too complicated or didn’t quite address my question. I tried adding a command to my shell profile files like `.bashrc` or `.zshrc`, but I wasn’t sure if I was doing it right. Are there specific lines or configurations I need to add to ensure that whenever I open my terminal, NVM will automatically set my preferred version of Node.js?

I’ve also noticed that my terminal sometimes shows multiple Node versions available, and I want to make sure that there’s no conflict or confusion. Will setting a default version in my configuration file resolve that?

If anyone has been in the same boat or knows the best way to set a default Node version with NVM upon opening a terminal, I’d love to hear about it! Simple step-by-step guidance would be super helpful, or if you have any resources to share, that would be awesome too. I want to make my workflow smoother and more efficient, and I’m sure there are some clever tricks out there that I’m just not aware of yet! Thanks in advance for any tips or insights!

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    2 Answers






    1. NVM Default Node.js Version Setup


      Setting Default Node.js Version with NVM

      If you want to set a default Node.js version that NVM automatically uses whenever you open a new terminal session, it’s pretty simple!

      Here’s how you can do it:

      1. Open your terminal.
      2. Run the following command to set your preferred Node.js version as default (replace x.x.x with your desired version, like 14.17.0):
        3. nvm alias default x.x.x
      3. Now, you need to make sure this setting is saved every time you start a new terminal session:
      4. If you’re using bash, type:
        5. echo 'nvm use default' >> ~/.bashrc
      5. For zsh, type:
        6. echo 'nvm use default' >> ~/.zshrc
      6. After that, either restart your terminal or run:
        7. source ~/.bashrc

        or

        source ~/.zshrc

      About the Multiple Node Versions

      If you still see multiple versions of Node.js when you run nvm ls, don’t worry! Setting this default version in your configuration file will not cause any conflicts. NVM is designed to handle multiple versions without issue.

      Now, whenever you open a new terminal, it should automatically set your preferred Node.js version. This way, you can switch between projects without the hassle of manually setting the version each time.

      Resources

      If you need more help, check out the NVM GitHub Page. They have a lot of useful info and troubleshooting tips!

      Hope that makes things a bit easier for you!



    2. To set a default Node.js version using NVM, you can add a specific command to your shell profile file, such as `.bashrc` or `.zshrc`. Open the terminal and use a text editor to modify your profile file. For example, if you’re using `bash`, type nano ~/.bashrc, or for `zsh`, use nano ~/.zshrc. Once you have the file open, add the following line to set your preferred Node.js version, replacing `` with your desired version number (for example, `14.17.0`): nvm use . After adding that line, save the changes and exit the editor. You will need to either restart your terminal or run source ~/.bashrc or source ~/.zshrc to apply the changes.

      Regarding the multiple Node.js versions that appear, when you set a default version in your profile, it ensures that NVM will automatically switch to that version each time you open a new terminal session. You can confirm your current Node version by executing node -v after the restart. This setup should help avoid any conflicts or confusion when switching between projects, as NVM will now consistently load your preferred version on terminal startup. Additionally, if you want to see which versions are installed, you can run nvm ls, which provides a list of installed Node.js versions and indicates which one is currently in use.


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