Why Use NVM?
Node Version Manager (NVM) is essential for managing multiple versions of Node.js on your Mac. It allows you to easily switch between versions, ensuring compatibility with different projects and facilitating testing without affecting other developments. It keeps your environment clean and organized, avoiding conflicts and optimizing dependency management.
Installation on MacOS M1/M2
Although older versions of Node.js like v14 cannot be directly installed on MacOS M1/M2, it is still possible to support legacy projects by following these steps.
Step 1:
Install Rosetta.
command:
/usr/sbin/softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license
Step 2:
Change the arch.
command:
arch -x86_64 zsh
Step 3:
Install NVM.
The first thing to do is to verify the existence of the .zshrc file by executing the following
command:
ls -a
If you do not have the .zshrc file, you must create it by executing the following
command:
touch .zshrc
After making sure you have the .zshrc now available in the list. Use cURL command from this site to install NVM. Copy and run this command in your terminal.
command:
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.2/install.sh | bash
You will need to refresh the .zshrc file by running the following
command:
source .zshrc
You can now confirm that you have NVM installed by running the following command. You should get a figure like 0.39.2.
command:
nvm -v
Step 4:
Install Node.js with NVM.
Installing Node is now easy. Run this command in your terminal.
command:
nvm install node
To install a specific version of Node, just add the version number at the end like this.
command:
nvm install 18.12.1
To use Node, you will first have to run the following command in your terminal.
command:
nvm use node
or run a specific version of Node.
command:
nvm use 18.12.1
With these steps, you can manage multiple versions of Node.js on your MacOS with NVM, ensuring compatibility and an optimal development environment.