Question 1

How do I set up fnm to automatically switch Node versions when I cd into a project?

Accepted Answer

Add the --use-on-cd flag to your shell eval command, as shown in the README for each shell. This makes fnm detect .node-version or .nvmrc files and switch versions automatically upon directory changes.

Question 2

fnm vs nvm: which is better for Node.js version management?

Accepted Answer

fnm is faster and built in Rust, offering better cross-platform support and performance out of the box. nvm is more established with a larger community, but fnm excels in speed and simplicity for modern workflows.

Question 3

Can I use fnm with Docker containers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, install fnm via release binaries or cargo in Docker images, but since containers often use fixed Node versions, version management is less critical than in local development. Ensure shell integration is configured if needed.

Question 4

How to install fnm on Windows without package managers like Winget?

Accepted Answer

Download the latest release binary from GitHub, add it to your PATH, and manually set up shell integration for PowerShell or Command Prompt using the eval commands provided in the README.

Question 5

Does fnm manage npm versions separately from Node.js?

Accepted Answer

No, fnm focuses solely on Node.js version management. npm versions are tied to Node.js releases, so switching Node versions changes npm accordingly, but fnm doesn't offer independent npm version control.

Question 6

What happens if I have both .node-version and .nvmrc files in a project?

Accepted Answer

fnm prioritizes .node-version files over .nvmrc, as implied by the README's documentation. Ensure only one is present to avoid conflicts, or rely on the default precedence.

fnm

What is fnm?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Open Source Alternative To

Frequently Asked Questions