Installing Node.js – The Best Way

The best way to install node is using a version manager. Specifically nvm (Node Version Manager).

What's included in this article:

• Checking versions
• Installing nvm
• Installing node
• Changing versions
• Why is installing node using nvm the best way?

Checking versions

In order to check your versions you must have a terminal/command prompt/command line window open. You can accomplish this by searching for the application on your computer. Or if you have a code editor installed, you usually can open one within the editor.

Node Version Manager

command -v nvm

If nvm is installed, the next line should show nvm.

Node.js

node -v

If you have node installed, it will show you a version number. If no version number is shown, then node is not installed.

NPM

npm -v

If npm is installed, it will show you a version number. If no version number is shown, then npm (and node) is not installed. These two come hand-in-hand—installing node will install npm.

Installing nvm on macOS/Linux

If you followed the last section and tried checking your versions, you should have a terminal window still open. If not, open one.

At the top of your terminal, it should tell you what type of shell it's using: bash, sh, or zsh.

If you're still unsure, type:

ps

That should list a few lines in which you should see your shell.

Install commands

For bash:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | bash

For sh:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | sh

For zsh:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | zsh

If everything installed correctly, verify with:

command -v nvm

The terminal should output nvm. If it doesn’t, try restarting your terminal and checking again.

Installing Node

Make sure nvm is installed:

command -v nvm

If it shows nvm, you're good to proceed. If not, install nvm before continuing.

Usually it's best to install the recommended LTS (Long-Term Support) version. You can check that on the Node.js website.

At the time of this writing:

• Recommended version: 16.15.1
• Latest version: 18.3.0

To install Node v16 (LTS):

nvm install 16

Once that finishes, Node 16 will be installed. 🎉

Changing Versions

To change Node versions, just install the version you want to use:

nvm install 14

nvm install 18

nvm will automatically switch to the version you install, but you can also switch manually with:

nvm use 14

Why is nvm the best way to install Node?

Installing Node with nvm lets you:

• Easily switch between versions
• Avoid using sudo for global packages
• Keep your environment clean and flexible

Other install methods:

• Downloading binaries from the website
• Using your system's package manager

Those often require admin privileges or cause conflicts when switching projects. nvm solves all that with minimal setup and maximum convenience.

We're all about making life easier—and this is the way to do it.