When working with Node.js, managing different versions efficiently is essential. Whether you’re running apps on servers or juggling multiple projects locally, a version manager simplifies your workflow.

Two of the most popular tools for this job are n and nvm. Each has its strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your environment and use case.

What Are They?

• n: A Node.js version manager designed for simplicity. It installs and manages Node.js system-wide, making it ideal for production servers or global development environments.
• nvm: A per-user Node.js version manager that works at the shell level. It allows you to install multiple versions of Node.js in your user directory and switch between them seamlessly.

How to Install n

n is not typically available from the default Debian repositories. To install it, use the following manual method:

This will install the latest LTS version of Node.js and place the n tool in your global PATH.

Once n is installed, you can begin using it to manage Node.js versions system-wide.

Key Differences

Feature	n (Simple & Fast)	nvm (Project-Focused)
Scope	System-wide (global)	Per-user (local)
Ease of Use	Super fast and minimal	Requires shell integration
Best For	Servers, global use, simplicity	Developers working on many projects
Project .nvmrc Support	Not built-in	Yes (great for per-project version pinning)
Speed	Very fast version switching	Slightly slower due to shell dependency
Dependencies	None	Requires .bashrc/.zshrc setup
Multi-user Support	Yes (all users share versions)	No (each user installs their own)

Why Use n?

If you’re deploying Node.js apps on a server, managing containers, or just want to get things done quickly, n is a great choice. It doesn’t require any profile modification, and switching Node versions is instant.

After installation, n keeps all installed versions available. To list them:

To remove older versions and free up space:

To re-use a specific version later:

To reinstall and recompile a specific version:

To install a version without switching to it:

With n, you control your environment system-wide with minimal effort — no need to tweak shell profiles or source files every time.

Why Use nvm?

For local development, especially when working on multiple projects with different Node versions, nvm shines. It supports .nvmrc files, which makes team collaboration and version consistency easier.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Use n if:
  • You need to manage Node.js globally (e.g., on a server or CI/CD system).
  • You prefer simplicity and speed.
  • You’re setting up Docker or system-wide environments.
• Use nvm if:
  • You’re working across multiple Node.js projects.
  • You want to isolate Node.js versions per user or project.
  • You rely on .nvmrc for team collaboration.

Final Thoughts

Both n and nvm are excellent tools. If you’re looking for speed and ease of use, go with n. If you need per-project flexibility and development isolation, nvm is the better choice.

For developers or sysadmins who’ve had frustrating experiences with nvm, n can feel like a breath of fresh air, quick, reliable, and easy to maintain.

Choose the one that fits your workflow and enjoy smoother Node.js development.