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Understanding how to check your Node js version ensures compatibility with libraries and frameworks. It also aids in troubleshooting and deciding if an update is necessary. Fortunately, learning how to check your Node.js version is straightforward and quick, taking just a few moments.
what is Node.js
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform runtime environment that allows you to execute JavaScript code outside of a web browser. Built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, it enables server-side scripting, allowing developers to build scalable and high-performance web applications.
Node.js is commonly used for building real-time applications, such as chat apps and online games, and is widely adopted for its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, making it highly efficient for handling multiple simultaneous connections.
What are the steps to follow to check your Node.js version?
To ensure your Node.js environment is up-to-date or compatible with your project, you may need to check the installed version. Knowing your Node.js version is essential for troubleshooting, debugging, or installing dependencies that require specific versions. Here’s how you can check your Node.js version:
1. Open Your Terminal or Command Prompt
How to check your Node.js version, open your command-line interface and type
node -v
Press Enter to see the installed Node.js version.
- On Windows: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
- On macOS: Open Terminal.
- On Linux: Open your terminal emulator.
2. Run the Version Command
Type the following command and press Enter:
node -v
This command queries Node.js for its version and displays it on your screen.
3. Understand the Output
You’ll see an output similar to this:
v16.13.0
Here, v16.13.0 represents the version of Node.js installed on your system.

Why Checking Your Node.js Version Matters
- Compatibility: Make sure your node JS version is compatible with the packages or frameworks you’re using.
- Updates: Determine if you need to update to access new features or security patches.
- Troubleshooting: Help resolve issues that may be related to your node JS version.
Conclusion
Checking your node JS version with the node-v command is a quick and easy way to stay informed about your development environment. It ensures you’re using the correct version of Ubuntu for your projects and helps manage updates effectively.
FAQs
1. What if the command doesn’t work?
If the node -v
command doesn’t work, it likely means node JS is not installed or not added to your system’s PATH. Reinstall Node.js from the official site and make sure the installation path is included in your system’s PATH variable. Restart your terminal and try the command again.
2. How can I update Node.js?
To update Node.js:
Using Node Version Manager (NVM):
- If you have NVM installed, run:
nvm install node
nvm use node
This installs the latest version.
Manual Update:
- Go to the node JS website, download the latest version, and install it.
Using Package Manager (Linux):
- On Ubuntu:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade nodejs
After updating, check the version with node -v
to confirm.
3. Can I have multiple versions of Node.js?
Yes, you can have multiple versions of Node.js. Use Node Version Manager (NVM) to easily install, switch, and manage different versions. With NVM, you can run commands like nvm install <version>
and nvm use <version>
to manage versions.
4. What if I see an old version?
f you see an old version of Node.js, you can update it by:
- Using NVM: Run
nvm install node
to install the latest version. - Manual Update: Download and install the latest version from the Node.js website.
- Package Manager: On Linux, run
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade nodejs
to update Node.js.
After updating, check the version with node -v
to confirm.
5. How can I install Node.js if it’s not on my system?
Visit the Node.js website, download the installer for your operating system, and then follow the installation instructions.
And there you go! Checking your node JS version is now a breeze.
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