nvm Shell Setup

Configure shell profiles so nvm loads automatically on every new terminal session.

Workflow

1. Identify the shell and profile file:

   • bash: ~/.bashrc (or ~/.bash_profile on macOS)
   • zsh: ~/.zshrc
   • fish: ~/.config/fish/config.fish
   • With XDG_CONFIG_HOME: $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/bash/bashrc etc.

2. Add nvm initialization to the correct profile:

   # Required lines for bash/zsh:
   export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
   [ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"
   [ -s "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion"
   

3. Optional: Load nvm without switching versions (faster shell startup):

   [ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" --no-use
   

4. Verify nvm loads in a new shell:

   # Open a new terminal, then:
   command -v nvm    # Should print "nvm"
   nvm --version     # Should print version number
   

Notes:

• XDG_CONFIG_HOME changes the expected profile path.
• Use --no-use when you only want nvm loaded without switching versions.
• For installation, use the nvm-install skill. For version usage, use nvm-usage-basics.

Example file map

• templates/shell-config.md - Profile configuration templates
• examples/environment-variables.md - Environment variable reference
• examples/bash-completion.md - Bash completion setup
• examples/bash-completion-usage.md - Completion usage examples

Keywords

nvm setup, NVM_DIR, nvm.sh, profile, bash, zsh, fish, XDG_CONFIG_HOME, shell init