nvm Usage Basics

Install, switch, and list Node.js versions using core nvm commands.

Workflow

1. List available remote versions:

   nvm ls-remote              # All available versions
   nvm ls-remote --lts        # Only LTS releases
   nvm ls-remote | grep v20   # Filter specific major version
   

2. Install a Node version:

   nvm install 20             # Latest v20.x
   nvm install 20.11.0        # Exact version
   nvm install --lts          # Latest LTS release
   nvm install node           # Latest current release
   

3. Switch between versions:

   nvm use 20                 # Switch to v20.x
   nvm use --lts              # Switch to latest LTS
   nvm use system             # Use system-installed Node
   

4. List installed versions and verify:

   nvm ls                     # Show installed versions
   nvm current                # Show active version
   node -v                    # Confirm active version
   

Note: For default version or .nvmrc, use the nvm-defaults-and-nvmrc skill. LTS is recommended for production stability.

Example file map

• examples/usage.md - General usage overview
• examples/install-version.md - Version installation details
• examples/use-version.md - Switching versions
• examples/list-versions.md - Listing and filtering versions
• examples/long-term-support.md - LTS management
• examples/system-node.md - System Node usage
• examples/iojs.md - io.js compatibility

Keywords

nvm use, nvm install, nvm ls, ls-remote, LTS, system node, node versions