PDF - Download Node.js for free Previous Next This modified text is an extract of the original Stack Overflow Documentation created by following contributors and released under CC BY-SA 3.0. Brew install node Other package managers for Linux and Windows are listed in nvm is a popular way to run Node.js. It allows you to easily switch the Node.js version, and install new versions to try and easily rollback if something breaks, for example.
To set up Git for a NodeJS project on WSL, see the article Get started using Git on Windows Subsystem for Linux in the WSL documentation. You now have a Node.js development environment set up. To get started using your Node.js environment, consider trying one of these tutorials: Get started with Node.js for beginners. Npx lets you run code built with Node.js and published through the npm registry. Easily run local commands. Node.js developers used to publish most of the executable commands as global packages, in order for them to be in the path and executable immediately. This was a pain because you could not really install different versions of the same.
No matter if you are working on backend or are in the frontend camp, Node.js is getting more popular day by day and you may need to install it at some point. There is plenty of ways to install it on your operating system and I am about to show you the most popular methods and highlight pros and cons of each of them.
Pre-built installer for your platform #
The easiest and most obvious way is to download a pre-built installer for your platform from the Node.js downloads page. Installation itself is very straight forward — next, next, next, done.
Despite the fact it is the easiest way of installing it, it comes with many disadvantages. It locks you to a particular version — it may not be a big issue on day one but it can be in the long run if you are willing to jump between projects that depend on different versions. Another (worst) issue with this method is the fact that it requires admin permissions (sudo) to install package globally. I published “Fix privileges and never again use sudo with npm” with some solutions for this issue, but you better check “Resolving EACCES permissions errors when installing packages globally” on official documentation or follow this article.
Node from Homebrew / Chocolatey #
“Homebrew — the best friend of the macOS user” explains why I love this tool so much. Windows users can find an alternative like Chocolatey. Both of these package managers allow you to install Node.js with ease.
CLI tools like that allow you to install / uninstall software in no time and never again be bothered by insufficient permissions. Although they allow you to manage versions too, in Node.js you should use…
NVM (Node Version Manager) #
Node Version Manager is a simple bash CLI that allows you to install multiple Node.js versions and switch between them using simple commands. Shareit for mac free download. Although it is available for macOS and Linux only, Node.js version manager for Windows exists (ironically it is written in Go). Installation is straightforward — you can use a simple bash script or brew (my preferred way).
Thats the way to install the latest version of Node.js.
Be curious and explore more nvm commands on an official nvm documentation. My most frequently used commands are: install, uninstall, list and use.
It is hard to remember the version of Node.js that a project depends on — smash the version into .nvmrc file in the root of your project and run nvm use inside this directory. If something can be automated, it should be automated — installing the right version of dependencies is not an exception. I made a simple bash script that runs nvm use whenever it encounters a .nvmrc file inside your project. There is a cool zsh-nvm plugin for Zsh users that does the same job.
Do you use nvm by @creationix to manage @node versions? Have you ever forgotten to `nvm use` in your project? I have a little bash script for y'all. Put it into your .bashrc / .bash_profile and you are all set :-*https://t.co/GhVwRKYnw7#node#nodejs#nvm#js#javascriptpic.twitter.com/jWGN89rQnA 1password brave.
— Paweł Grzybek (@pawelgrzybek) January 12, 2019I am glad it helped you out. Have a great day!
thank you! definitely more detailed and nicer explained than other top google ranked posts on this topic. What are the most important reasons to use nvm over brew?
Hi.
Thanks for nice words. The main reason why I use nvm is the fact that I work on multiple projects. Some of them are built with the latest node runtime, some of server-less lambda stuff that I work on is on 8.10. The ease of switching versions is extremely convenient. Other than that and if you always work with the latest version I would suggest being stick to `brew install node`.
Have a great day 🥑
Very helpful, thank you.
It should be noted that installing nvm with Homebrew is not officially supported:
Homebrew installation is not supported. If you have issues with homebrew-installed nvm, please brew uninstall it, and install it using the instructions below, before filing an issue.
Yes you are right.
The only reason why is the fact that nvm needs to be added to shell session. Official installation script does it for you. Brew installation requires a few lines of code to be added to .zshrc / .bashrc / .whareverrc..
Post-install message from brew formula gives a detailed instruction about this step.
Thanks for contribution. Have a fantastic day!
Thank you. Now, I can move on with my Node.js course. Best wishes.
My pleasure. Good luck in your programming career!
Thanks for share! Very useful information, just add the notes about the missing lines in the ~/.bash_profile that we should add when we install nvm through brew
Thanks a ton for suggestion. I will update this article at some point. Have a great day Enrique 🥑
What'ya think?
Instructions for a supported install of Homebrew are on the homepage.
Brew Install Node 12
This script installs Homebrew to its preferred prefix (/usr/localfor macOS Intel, /opt/homebrew for Apple Silicon) so thatyou don’t need sudo when youbrew install. It is a careful script; it can be run even if you have stuffinstalled in /usr/local already. It tells you exactly what it will do beforeit does it too. You have to confirm everything it will do before it starts.
macOS Requirements
- A 64-bit Intel CPU or Apple Silicon CPU 1
- macOS Mojave (10.14) (or higher) 2
- Command Line Tools (CLT) for Xcode:
xcode-select --install,developer.apple.com/downloads orXcode3 - A Bourne-compatible shell for installation (e.g.
bashorzsh) 4
Git Remote Mirroring
You can set HOMEBREW_BREW_GIT_REMOTE and/or HOMEBREW_CORE_GIT_REMOTE in your shell environment to use geolocalized Git mirrors to speed up Homebrew’s installation with this script and, after installation, brew update.
The default Git remote will be used if the corresponding environment variable is unset.
Alternative Installs
Linux or Windows 10 Subsystem for Linux
Check out the Homebrew on Linux installation documentation.
Untar anywhere
Just extract (or git clone) Homebrew wherever you want. Just avoid:
- Directories with names that contain spaces. Homebrew itself can handle spaces, but many build scripts cannot.
/tmpsubdirectories because Homebrew gets upset./swand/opt/localbecause build scripts get confused when Homebrew is there instead of Fink or MacPorts, respectively.
However do yourself a favour and install to /usr/local on macOS Intel, /opt/homebrew on macOS ARM,and /home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew on Linux. Some things maynot build when installed elsewhere. One of the reasons Homebrew justworks relative to the competition is because we recommend installinghere. Pick another prefix at your peril! Download vmware horizon for mac.
Multiple installations
Create a Homebrew installation wherever you extract the tarball. Whichever brew command is called is where the packages will be installed. You can use this as you see fit, e.g. a system set of libs in /usr/local and tweaked formulae for development in ~/homebrew.
Uninstallation
Uninstallation is documented in the FAQ.
1 For 32-bit or PPC support seeTigerbrew.
2 10.14 or higher is recommended. 10.9–10.13 aresupported on a best-effort basis. For 10.4-10.6 seeTigerbrew.
3 Most formulae require a compiler. A handfulrequire a full Xcode installation. You can install Xcode, the CLT, or both;Homebrew supports all three configurations. Downloading Xcode may require anApple Developer account on older versions of Mac OS X. Sign up for freehere.
Update Node Js Brew
4 The one-liner installation method found onbrew.sh requires a Bourne-compatible shell (e.g. bash orzsh). Notably, fish, tcsh and csh will not work.