Question 1

How do I install n without sudo?

Accepted Answer

Set the N_PREFIX environment variable to a directory where you have write permissions, like $HOME/.n, and add it to your PATH. Alternatively, use third-party installers like n-install that handle this automatically.

Question 2

n vs nvm: which should I use?

Accepted Answer

n is simpler and faster for basic version switching without subshells, while nvm offers more features like per-shell session version management and better Windows support. Choose n if you prefer a lightweight, interactive tool on Unix-like systems.

Question 3

How to switch Node.js versions with n for a specific project?

Accepted Answer

Use the 'auto' label by running `n auto` in your project directory, which reads from .nvmrc or package.json engines. Alternatively, manually select a version with `n <version>` and confirm with the interactive menu.

Question 4

Can n run multiple Node.js versions at once?

Accepted Answer

No, n installs one active version globally at a time. For concurrent versions, use `n run` or `n exec` to execute scripts with a specific cached version, but this doesn't allow simultaneous global usage.

Question 5

How to update n itself?

Accepted Answer

If installed via npm, run `npm install -g n@latest`. For direct installs, redownload the script or use third-party updaters like n-update from n-install, as n doesn't include a self-update command.

Question 6

Does n work in Docker containers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, n is well-suited for Docker due to its minimal setup; use the --cleanup flag in install scripts to remove cache after installation, keeping container images small.

n

What is n?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions