nvm Defaults and .nvmrc

Configure default Node versions and project-level version pinning with nvm.

Workflow

1. Set the default Node version using an alias:

   bashCopy

   nvm alias default 20
   # Or use an LTS alias
   nvm alias default lts/iron
   

2. Create or update .nvmrc in the project root:

   bashCopy

   # Pin to a specific version
   echo "20.11.0" > .nvmrc
   # Or use an LTS alias
   echo "lts/iron" > .nvmrc
   

3. Enable shell auto-switching if requested (see auto-use examples per shell).

4. Verify the configuration works:

   bashCopy

   # Open a new shell, then:
   nvm current        # Should show the default version
   cd /path/to/project
   node -v            # Should match .nvmrc version
   

Important: Keep .nvmrc consistent across team repos to avoid version drift. Basic install/use belongs to nvm-usage-basics.

Example file map

• examples/default-version.md - Setting default aliases
• examples/nvmrc.md - .nvmrc file creation and usage
• examples/auto-use-bash.md - Auto-switching for bash
• examples/auto-use-zsh.md - Auto-switching for zsh
• examples/auto-use-fish.md - Auto-switching for fish

Keywords

nvm alias, default version, .nvmrc, auto use, project version, defaults