nvm keeps "forgetting" node in new terminal session

Why "nvm" keeps "forgetting" node in a new terminal session in OS X?

So you're using nvm (Node Version Manager) in OS X, but every time you open a new terminal session, it forgets the node version you previously set. 🤔 It can be frustrating to constantly have to reselect the node version you want to use. But don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll explore common issues and provide easy solutions to this problem.

The Symptoms:

Let's start by understanding the symptoms of the issue. When you run nvm ls in your terminal, it should display a list of installed node versions, like this:

.nvm
 v0.11.12
 v0.11.13

However, when you open a new terminal session, it defaults to nothing, indicating that nvm forgot the selected node version:

.nvm
 v0.11.12
->   v0.11.13

Possible Causes:

There could be a few reasons why nvm is forgetting the selected node version. Let's explore common causes and their solutions:

1. Incorrect Shell Configuration:

The .profile or .bashrc file manages your terminal session's configuration. It's possible that the configuration for nvm is not set correctly in these files.

Solution:

First, locate the configuration file being used. Typically, it can be either ~/.profile, ~/.bashrc, or ~/.bash_profile. Open the file using a text editor and ensure that the configuration is present and set correctly.

For example, if you installed nvm using Homebrew, the configuration might look like this:

# nvm
export NVM_DIR=~/.nvm
source $(brew --prefix nvm)/nvm.sh

If you installed nvm using the official installation script, the configuration might look like this:

# nvm
export NVM_DIR="/Users/farhad/.nvm"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && . "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"  # This loads nvm

Make sure you save the changes after editing the configuration file and then restart your terminal.

2. Multiple Shell Configurations:

If you have multiple shell configurations conflicting with each other, it can lead to nvm forgetting the selected node version.

Solution:

Check if you have multiple shell configurations, such as both .bashrc and .bash_profile, which might be causing conflicts. Consolidate your shell configurations into a single file (usually .bashrc or .bash_profile) and remove any duplicates or conflicting entries related to nvm. Save the changes and restart your terminal.

3. Incorrect Installation or Version:

If you initially installed nvm incorrectly or have an outdated version, it could cause issues with remembering the selected node version.

Solution:

To ensure you have the latest version of nvm, it is recommended to reinstall it following the official installation instructions. You can find the latest installation instructions on the nvm GitHub repository: https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm

Wrap Up:

By following the solutions provided above, you should be able to resolve the issue of nvm "forgetting" the selected node version in a new terminal session. Remember to check your shell configuration, ensure you have a single shell configuration file, and consider reinstalling nvm if necessary.

If you're still facing issues or have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy coding! 😊🚀