Node.js installation and version management in Node.js - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a program that lets you run JavaScript code outside a web browser, usually on your computer or server.

beginner

Why do we use a version manager like nvm for Node.js?

A version manager helps you easily switch between different Node.js versions on your computer, so you can work on many projects without conflicts.

beginner

How do you check the installed Node.js version in your terminal?

You type node -v or node --version and press Enter. It shows the current Node.js version.

intermediate

What command installs a specific Node.js version using nvm?

Use nvm install <version>, for example nvm install 18.16.0 to install Node.js version 18.16.0.

intermediate

How do you switch to a different Node.js version after installing it with nvm?

Use nvm use <version>, for example nvm use 18.16.0 to start using that version.

Which command shows your current Node.js version?

A node start

B npm install

C nvm list

D node -v

The command node -v displays the installed Node.js version.

What tool helps manage multiple Node.js versions on one computer?

A nvm

B node

C npm

D git

nvm (Node Version Manager) lets you install and switch between Node.js versions easily.

How do you install Node.js version 16.14.0 using nvm?

A nvm use 16.14.0

B npm install 16.14.0

C nvm install 16.14.0

D node install 16.14.0

The command nvm install 16.14.0 downloads and installs that Node.js version.

After installing a Node.js version with nvm, how do you start using it?

A nvm switch 16.14.0

B nvm use 16.14.0

C node use 16.14.0

D npm use 16.14.0

Use nvm use <version> to switch to the installed Node.js version.

Which of these is NOT a benefit of using nvm?

A Running JavaScript in the browser

B Switching Node.js versions easily

C Installing multiple Node.js versions

D Avoiding version conflicts between projects

Running JavaScript in the browser is done by browsers themselves, not by nvm.

Explain how to install Node.js and manage its versions on your computer using nvm.

Think about the commands you type in the terminal to handle Node.js versions.

Why is it helpful to have multiple Node.js versions installed on one machine?

Consider how software projects can depend on specific tools.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of using nvm when working with Node.js?

easy

A. To update npm packages automatically

B. To write JavaScript code faster

C. To run Node.js programs without installation

D. To install and switch between different Node.js versions easily

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand what nvm does

   nvm stands for Node Version Manager and helps manage multiple Node.js versions on one machine.

2. Step 2: Identify the correct purpose

   It allows installing, switching, and managing different Node.js versions easily, unlike writing code or running programs without installation.

3. Final Answer:

   To install and switch between different Node.js versions easily -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Node Version Manager = install and switch versions [OK]

Hint: Remember nvm = Node Version Manager for versions [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking nvm runs Node.js programs directly
• Confusing nvm with npm package manager
• Assuming nvm updates npm packages

2. Which command correctly shows the installed Node.js version in your terminal?

easy

A. node -v

B. npm -v

C. node version

D. nvm version

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall the command to check Node.js version

   The standard command to check Node.js version is node -v.

2. Step 2: Differentiate from other commands

   npm -v shows npm version, node version causes an error (treats 'version' as a script), and nvm version is not a standard command.

3. Final Answer:

   node -v -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Check Node.js version = node -v [OK]

Hint: Use node -v to check Node.js version quickly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using npm -v to check Node.js version
• Typing nvm version which is invalid
• Trying node version without flags

3. After installing Node.js version 18 using nvm install 18 and running nvm use 18, what will node -v output?

medium

A. Command not found error

B. v18.x.x (where x.x is the latest patch version installed)

C. v16.x.x (previous default version)

D. v20.x.x (latest Node.js version)

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand nvm install 18 and nvm use 18

   This installs Node.js version 18 and switches the active version to 18.

2. Step 2: Predict node -v output after switching

   Since version 18 is active, node -v will show version 18 with its patch number, like v18.15.0.

3. Final Answer:

   v18.x.x (where x.x is the latest patch version installed) -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Active Node.js version = 18 after nvm use 18 [OK]

Hint: nvm use sets active version; node -v shows it [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Expecting previous or latest version instead of 18
• Thinking nvm use doesn't change active version
• Confusing npm version with node version

4. You run nvm use 14 but get an error: version '14' not installed. What is the most likely fix?

medium

A. Run nvm install 14 to install Node.js version 14 first

B. Restart your computer and try again

C. Update npm to the latest version

D. Run node use 14 instead

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the error message

   The error means Node.js version 14 is not installed yet on your system.

2. Step 2: Fix by installing the missing version

   You must install version 14 first using nvm install 14 before switching to it.

3. Final Answer:

   Run nvm install 14 to install Node.js version 14 first -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Install missing version before using it [OK]

Hint: Install version before using it with nvm [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to use a version without installing
• Restarting computer won't fix missing version
• Confusing npm update with Node.js version install

5. You want to run a project that requires Node.js version 16, but your system has version 18 active. Using nvm, which sequence of commands correctly sets up the environment?

hard

A. node -v 16 && nvm use 16

B. nvm use 16 && nvm install 16

C. nvm install 16 && nvm use 16

D. npm install 16 && nvm use 16

Solution

1. Step 1: Install Node.js version 16 if not installed

   Use nvm install 16 to download and install version 16.

2. Step 2: Switch active Node.js version to 16

   Use nvm use 16 to activate version 16 for your terminal session.

3. Final Answer:

   nvm install 16 && nvm use 16 -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Install then use version 16 with nvm [OK]

Hint: Always install before using a Node.js version [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to use before installing
• Using node or npm commands incorrectly
• Switching versions without installation