nvm Usage Basics
Install, switch, and list Node.js versions using core nvm commands.
Workflow
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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 -
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 -
Switch between versions:
nvm use 20 # Switch to v20.x nvm use --lts # Switch to latest LTS nvm use system # Use system-installed Node -
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 overviewexamples/install-version.md- Version installation detailsexamples/use-version.md- Switching versionsexamples/list-versions.md- Listing and filtering versionsexamples/long-term-support.md- LTS managementexamples/system-node.md- System Node usageexamples/iojs.md- io.js compatibility
Keywords
nvm use, nvm install, nvm ls, ls-remote, LTS, system node, node versions