How to Check Node Version? [Check Node JS Version]

List of content you will read in this article:

In the ever-evolving world of web development (webdev), Node.js has emerged as a vital tool for building scalable, server-side applications. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your coding journey, knowing how to check the version of Node.js you're running is a fundamental skill. Why, you may wonder? Well, Node.js continually evolves, with new features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements added with each new version. 

Understanding your Node.js version ensures you can take full advantage of its capabilities and maintain compatibility with your projects. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of checking your Node.js version with ease.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source, server-side JavaScript (JS) runtime environment built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. Developed by Ryan Dahl in 2009, Node.js has gained immense popularity in the web development world. 

Explore the World of JavaScript Further!

Interested in discovering more about JavaScript and its powerful applications? Click here to dive deeper into our comprehensive guide, where you'll learn how JavaScript can enhance your web projects, streamline your code, and bring your creative ideas to life. Don't miss out on unlocking the full potential of JavaScript in your digital endeavors!

But what makes Node.js special? Well, it allows developers to execute JavaScript code on the server, not just in the browser. This server-side scripting capability is a game-changer because it enables developers to create dynamic, data-driven applications. Node.js is known for its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, which makes it exceptionally efficient and lightweight.

Methods for Checking Node.js Version

When it comes to checking your Node.js version, you have several methods at your disposal. Let's explore these methods to ensure you're always up to date with the version you're working with. 

Check nodejs version Using the Command Line

• How to Check Node.js Version with 'node -v'

One of the most straightforward methods is to open your command line interface (CLI) ,whether it's on Windows, Linux, or macOS, and run the following command:

node -v

 This command will promptly display the installed Node.js version.

• How to Check npm Version with 'npm -v'

If you also want to verify the version of npm (Node Package Manager), use this command:

npm -v

Running this command will show you the version of npm installed on your system.

Checking Node.js Version in JavaScript

• Using 'process.version'

If you prefer to check the Node.js version from within a JavaScript file, you can use the following code snippet:

console.log(process.version);

When you run this JavaScript file, it will print the Node.js version to the console.

• Using 'process.versions'

Additionally, you can use the 'process.versions' object to retrieve more detailed version information. Here's how:

console.log(process.versions.node);

This will display the Node.js version specifically.

Checking Node.js Version via Package.json: How to Find the Node.js Version in a Node.js Project

If you're working on a Node.js project, you can check the required Node.js version specified in your project's 'package.json' file. Look for the "engines" field, like this:

   "engines": {

     "node": ">=12.0.0"

   }

In this example, it indicates that the project requires Node.js version 12.0.0 or higher.

Node Version Managers (NVM)

Node Version Manager (NVM) is a powerful tool for managing multiple Node.js versions on your system. With NVM, you can easily switch between Node.js versions to meet the requirements of different projects.

Installing and Using NVM to Manage Node.js Versions

To get started with NVM, you'll need to install it and then use it to install and switch between Node.js versions. NVM simplifies the process of managing Node.js versions and is especially useful for developers working on various projects with different version requirements.

🌟 Ready to Master NVM? 🌟

Dive deeper into the world of Node.js with our comprehensive guide: "How to Install NVM on Ubuntu: Step-by-Step Guide". Uncover the secrets of seamless Node.js version management and supercharge your development skills. Don't miss out on mastering NVM – your journey to efficient Node.js handling starts here!

How to Check Node.js Version on Linux

Linux is a popular choice for hosting Node.js applications and running development environments. To ensure you're running the right Node.js version for your projects, you'll want to know how to check it on this operating system. Fortunately, it's a straightforward process. Follow the below-mentioned steps to check the node version on Linux VPS too. Here are the steps to check your Node.js version on Linux:

• Open Your Terminal: First, open your terminal or command line interface. In most Linux distributions, you can access the terminal by searching for "Terminal" in your applications or using a keyboard shortcut like Ctrl+Alt+T.
• Check the Installed Node.js Version: In the terminal, simply type the following command and press Enter:

node -v

This will display the installed Node.js version in your system.

• Check npm Version (Optional): If you want to check the version of npm (Node Package Manager) as well, you can use the following command:

npm -v

Just like with Node.js, this command will display the currently installed npm version.

How to Check Node.js Version on Windows

If you're a Windows user, checking your Node.js version is just as important as it is on any other platform. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Open Command Prompt or PowerShell: To get started, you'll need to open the Command Prompt or PowerShell. You can do this by searching for "Command Prompt" or "PowerShell" in the Windows search bar. For more info click on A Guide on How to Open Command Prompt as Administrator
• Type the Node.js Version Command: Once you have the Command Prompt or PowerShell open, type the following command and press Enter:

node -v

This command will display the installed Node.js version on your Windows system.

• Check npm Version (Optional): Similar to the Linux method, you can also check the version of npm (Node Package Manager) if needed. To do this, use the following command:

npm -v

This command will display the currently installed npm version on your Windows machine.

How to Check Node.js Version on Mac

If you're a Mac user, you'll be pleased to know that checking your Node.js version on macOS is a breeze. Here's a simple guide to help you with this:

• Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application on your Mac. You can find it in the "Utilities" folder within your "Applications."
• Run the Node.js Version Command: In the Terminal, type the following command and then hit Enter:

node -v

This command will promptly display the currently installed Node.js version on your Mac.

• Verify npm Version (Optional): If you also want to verify the version of npm (Node Package Manager), you can use the following command:

npm -v

Just like with Node.js, this command will reveal the version of npm installed on your macOS system.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While checking your Node.js version is a relatively simple task, there can be occasional hiccups and issues that may arise. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips to help you out:

• Version Not Found: If you receive a "command not found" or similar error when trying to check the Node.js version, it could be due to your system's PATH configuration. Double-check that Node.js is properly installed and that the installation directory is included in your PATH.
• Outdated Version: If you find that your Node.js version is outdated and you need to upgrade, you can use a version manager like NVM (Node Version Manager) to easily switch to a newer version without affecting your other projects.
• Permission Denied: On Linux and macOS, you might encounter "Permission Denied" errors when trying to install or update Node.js using npm. In this case, consider using a package manager like nvm or running the command with superuser privileges (sudo).
• Conflicting Versions: Be mindful of conflicting Node.js versions on your system. If you have multiple versions installed and your application is using the wrong one, it could lead to compatibility issues. Always ensure you're using the version that your project requires.
• Package Compatibility: After updating Node.js, some packages and dependencies in your project may no longer be compatible. In such cases, you may need to update or modify your project's packages to ensure they work with the new Node.js version.
• Cross-Platform Development: If you're developing on multiple platforms, be aware that different operating systems may have different Node.js versions installed. It's essential to keep your projects and dependencies consistent across all platforms.
• Global vs. Local Installations: Node.js can be installed globally or locally within a project. Be aware of the differences and choose the appropriate method depending on your project requirements.

Final Words

In the fast-paced world of web development, staying updated with the latest tools and technologies is crucial. Node.js, with its versatile capabilities and active community, is a prime example of such a tool. Checking your Node.js version is a fundamental practice that ensures you're harnessing the full power of this runtime environment.

By keeping your Node.js version up to date, you're not only benefiting from bug fixes and performance enhancements but also ensuring that your applications and projects remain compatible with the latest features. This proactive approach can save you time and effort in the long run, preventing compatibility issues and streamlining your development workflow.