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Using Node Version Manager (NVM) for Linux/macOS

Switching npm versions is typically done by switching Node.js versions, as npm is bundled with Node.js. The recommended method for managing multiple Node.js (and thus npm) versions is through a Node Version Manager (NVM).
Using Node Version Manager (NVM) for Linux/macOS:
Install NVM.
Code

    curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash
(Note: The version in the URL might need to be updated to the latest stable NVM version.) Verify NVM Installation.
Code

    command -v nvm
  • Install a specific Node.js version (which includes its bundled npm):
Code

    nvm install <version_number>
For example, to install Node.js version 18.12.1:
Code

    nvm install 18.12.1
List installed Node.js versions.
Code

    nvm ls
  • Switch to a specific Node.js version:
Code

    nvm use <version_number>
For example, to switch to Node.js version 18.12.1:
Code

    nvm use 18.12.1
Using NVM for Windows:
  • Uninstall existing Node.js: Before installing NVM for Windows, uninstall any current Node.js installations.
  • Download and install NVM for Windows: Download the installer from the official NVM for Windows GitHub repository.
  • Install a specific Node.js version:
Code

    nvm install <version_number>
  • Switch to a specific Node.js version:
Code

    nvm use <version_number>
Updating npm separately (less common):
If you need a specific npm version that is different from the one bundled with your current Node.js version, you can install it globally:
Code

npm install -g npm@<version_number>
For example, to install npm version 9.8.1:
Code

npm install -g npm@9.8.1
However, using NVM to manage Node.js versions is generally the preferred approach as it ensures compatibility between Node.js and its bundled npm
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