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Command Workflows

This guide explains common end-to-end CLI workflows.

1) New Machine Bootstrap​

Install the latest LTS version of Node.js:

nvm install lts

Set as default version:

nvm use lts

Verify the default version:

nvm default
node -v

Optional validation:

nvm env
nvm doctor

2) Multi-Version Project Testing​

Install multiple versions of Node.js at once:

nvm install 18 20 22

All versions will be downloaded in parallel, then installed sequentially.

Switch between versions for testing:

nvm use 18
npm test
nvm use 20
npm test
nvm use 22
npm test

Use aliases for convenience:

nvm alias add legacy 18.20.8
nvm alias add modern 24.1.0

3) Project Pinning with Run Command Files​

Set default version and create a local .nvmrc file:

nvm use 24
nvm rc 24 --file=.nvmrc

Or update package engines:

nvm rc 24 --file=package.json

4) Download-Constrained Environments​

Pre-cache artifacts:

nvm cache add 20 22 24
nvm cache view

Use cache controls during install:

nvm install 24 --cache

Cleanup after rollout:

nvm cache remove version 20.19.1
nvm cache remove all

5) Runtime Mode Management​

Switch mode:

nvm use shim
nvm use link

Temporarily disable/enable nvm:

nvm off
nvm on

6) Configuration and Policy-Aware Operations​

Inspect effective values:

nvm config list
nvm config get mode root auto_install

Apply updates:

nvm config set mode=shim auto_install=true

Reset to defaults:

nvm config reset auto_install

7) Health and Upgrade Workflow​

nvm doctor --list
nvm doctor --autofix
nvm upgrade --check
nvm upgrade