How to properly upgrade node using nvm

First, nvm (Node Version Manager) is a tool for managing multiple Node.js versions, enabling users to easily switch between and install different versions. The following steps detail how to upgrade Node.js using nvm:

1. Install or Verify nvm Installation: Before upgrading Node.js with nvm, ensure it is installed on your system. Verify this by running the command in your terminal:

   shell
   

nvm --version

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   If nvm is not installed, consult the official [nvm GitHub repository](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm) for installation instructions.

2. **List Available Node.js Versions**:
   To check available Node.js versions, use nvm to list all remote versions:

nvm ls-remote

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   This command displays all available versions, including Long-Term Support (LTS) releases.

3. **Install a New Node.js Version**:
   When installing a specific version, use:

nvm install

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   Replace `<version>` with a specific version number (e.g., `14.17.0`) or use `node` to install the latest stable version:

nvm install node

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   This installs the most recent stable Node.js release.

4. **Switch to the New Version**:
   After installation, switch to the new version with:

nvm use

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   Similarly, substitute `<version>` with the installed version or use `node` to select the latest version.

5. **Verify the New Node.js Version**:
   Confirm the current version after completing the steps:

node --version

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   This should display the selected version.

6. **Upgrade npm (if needed)**:
   Occasionally, upgrade npm (Node Package Manager) using:

npm install -g npm

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7. **Set the Default Node.js Version**:
   To use the new version in all new terminal sessions, set it as the default:

nvm alias default

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8. **Reinstall Global Packages if Necessary**:
   After upgrading Node.js, you may need to reinstall global packages. Do this by checking current global packages and reinstalling them in the new version:

nvm ls-remote --reinstall-packages-from=<old_version>

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   Replace `<old_version>` with the previous Node.js version you used.

By following these steps, you can safely and correctly upgrade Node.js using nvm without disrupting older versions or their dependencies.