How to install Node.js with nvm (multiple versions)

Different projects may require different Node.js versions. nvm (Node Version Manager) lets you install them and switch between them easily.

1. Install nvm

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash
source ~/.bashrc

2. Install a Node version

nvm install 20        # latest version 20
nvm install 18

3. Switch between versions

nvm use 18
nvm alias default 20   # the default version

4. Check

node -v
npm -v

Per project version

Put a .nvmrc file in the project with the desired version, then run nvm use in the directory to select it automatically.

In production

To run a Node app reliably, use PM2 or a systemd service, see how to deploy a Node.js app and how to create a systemd service.