How to Install Node.js using NVM in Linux

NVM (Node Version Manager) is a tool that allows you to install and manage multiple versions of Node.js on your system.

Why Use NVM?

  • Multiple versions: Switch between different Node.js versions easily
  • Project-specific versions: Use different Node.js versions for different projects
  • Easy updates: Update Node.js versions without system conflicts
  • No sudo required: Install Node.js without administrator privileges

Step 1: Install NVM

First, download and install NVM using curl:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash

Step 2: Reload Your Shell

After installation, reload your shell configuration:

source ~/.bashrc

Step 4: Install Node.js

Install the latest LTS version:

nvm install --lts

Step 5: Use Node.js Version

Switch to a specific version:

nvm use 18.17.0

Useful NVM Commands

  • nvm list - List installed versions
  • nvm list-remote - List available versions
  • nvm current - Show current version
  • nvm uninstall <version> - Remove a version

Conclusion

NVM makes it easy to manage Node.js versions on Linux. It’s especially useful for developers working on multiple projects that require different Node.js versions.