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Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to create server-side applications. It provides a rich library of modules that simplify the development process and makes it much easier to build scalable, performance-driven web applications.
However, different projects require different versions of Node.js, and sometimes it becomes necessary to install and manage different versions of Node.js on the same system. In this blog post, we will focus on installing a specific version of Node.js on your Mac computer using several methods.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Install Specific Node Version on Mac
Working with Node.js requires a specific version. Different projects require different versions of Node.js, and sometimes it becomes necessary to install and manage multiple versions of Node.js. This is because some packages and dependencies only work with specific versions of Node.js. For instance, some libraries may not work with the latest version of Node.js but work fine with the older versions.
Another reason is that older versions may have different behaviors or features, which may be better suited to specific projects. So, it’s necessary to keep a particular version of Node.js installed on your Mac if you want to work on a particular project for which that version is required.
Method 1: Using NVM (Node Version Manager)
NVM is a command-line tool for managing different versions of Node.js on your Mac. It allows you to easily install, switch, and manage multiple Node.js versions on the same system. Here are the steps to install a specific version of Node.js using NVM on your Mac:
1. Open the Terminal app on your Mac
2. Install NVM by running the following command in the Terminal:
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.38.0/install.sh | bash
3. Close and reopen your Terminal window or run the following command to make NVM available in your current terminal window: source ~/.bashrc
4. Check to see whether NVM is installed properly by running the following command: nvm --version
5. Install a specific Node.js version by running the command: nvm install 14.17.4. Replace "14.17.4" with the version you want to install.
6. Verify that the version is installed by running the command: node -v. The output should be "v14.17.4".
Pros:
– Easy to install and manage different versions of Node.js on the same system.
– NVM installs Node.js to your home directory, limiting the impact to other users on the same machine.
Cons:
– NVM requires an internet connection to install new versions of Node.js.
Method 2: Using Homebrew
Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that allows you to install software that is not part of the macOS operating system. It’s an easy way to install Node.js and other tools on your Mac. Here are the steps to install a specific version of Node.js using Homebrew:
1. Open the Terminal app on your Mac
2. Install Homebrew by running the following command in the Terminal: ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"
3. Update Homebrew by running the command: brew update
4. Install Node.js by running the command: brew install node@14. Replace "14" with the version you want to install.
5. Verify that the version is installed by running the command: node -v. The output should be "v14.x.x".
Pros:
– Homebrew is easy to install and use.
– Homebrew installs packages to a centralized directory, making it easier to manage software installations.
Cons:
– Homebrew can be slow to install packages on slow internet connections or older hardware.
– Homebrew installs packages as dependencies, which can lead to unexpected issues if packages are not installed correctly.
Method 3: Using Node.js installer
Node.js provides an official installer for macOS that allows you to easily install a specific version of Node.js. Here are the steps to install a specific version of Node.js using the official installer:
1. Go to https://nodejs.org/en/download/releases/ to download a specific version of Node.js for your Mac.
2. Once the download is complete, double-click the downloaded file to open the installer.
3. Follow the installer’s instructions to install Node.js to your Mac.
4. Verify that the version is installed by running the command: node -v. The output should be "v14.x.x".
Pros:
– The official installer provides an easy and hassle-free way to install Node.js on your Mac.
– The installer installs Node.js to your system directory, making it available for all users on the same machine.
Cons:
– Installing Node.js through the installer requires downloading and running an executable file, which may not be feasible in some environments.
What to Do If You Can’t Install Specific Node Version
If you encounter issues when trying to install a specific version of Node.js on your Mac, there are some things you can do to fix the problem.
1. Make sure you have an active internet connection since all the methods require an internet connection to download the desired version.
2. Confirm that your Mac has enough free disk space to install Node.js.
3. Check the version you are trying to install since the methods work in different versions of macOS than its predecessor.
4. Make sure you have the required system prerequisites such as Xcode or Command Line Tools installed, so as not to affect the installation process.
Bonus Tip
Once you have installed a specific version of Node.js on your Mac, it’s possible to switch between different versions using NVM. Use the following command to switch between Node.js versions: nvm use 14.17.4.
5 FAQs
Q1: What is Node.js?
A: Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to create server-side applications.
Q2: Why do I need to install a specific version of Node.js?
A: Different projects require different versions of Node.js, and sometimes it becomes necessary to install and manage multiple versions of Node.js.
Q3: What is NVM?
A: NVM is a command-line tool for managing different versions of Node.js on your Mac. It allows you to easily install, switch, and manage multiple Node.js versions on the same system.
Q4: What is Homebrew?
A: Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that allows you to install software that is not part of the macOS operating system.
Q5: How do I switch between Node.js versions using NVM?
A: Use the following command to switch between Node.js versions: nvm use 14.17.4.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, installing a specific version of Node.js on your Mac requires choosing the right method suitable for the version you want to install. Whether you choose to use NVM, Homebrew or the official Node.js installer, you need to ensure that you have an active internet connection to download the version successfully. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will easily install the specific version of Node.js needed for your project.