Vovy installs nvm, then the current Node.js LTS with npm, so npm install and npm run dev work and you can switch versions later without breaking anything.
Install Node and npm so I can run npm install on my Lovable project
How it works
- Look for an existing Node install: Vovy checks for Node from the website installer or Homebrew, since two copies fighting each other is the top cause of weird npm errors.
- Install nvm: Vovy installs nvm, Node Version Manager, a small tool that lets you keep several Node versions and pick one per project.
- Install the LTS version of Node: Vovy runs nvm install --lts. LTS means long-term support: the stable version most hosting platforms and templates expect.
- Set it as your default: Vovy sets that version as the default so every new Terminal window uses it, then confirms node -v and npm -v both print a version.
- Test it on your project: If you have a project folder, Vovy runs npm install there and shows a card with your Node and npm versions and what just got installed.
What you provide
- A project folder (optional)
- A few minutes of Wi-Fi
What you get
- Node.js LTS and npm installed
- nvm for switching versions later
- No sudo or permission hacks
- A verified npm install on your project
FAQ
What is the difference between Node and npm?
Node runs JavaScript on your computer. npm comes bundled with it and downloads the packages your project lists in package.json.
Why not just download the installer from nodejs.org?
That works, but it often leads to permission errors when installing global tools, and switching versions later is painful. nvm avoids both.
Which Node version should I use?
The current LTS release unless your project says otherwise in package.json or an .nvmrc file. Vovy checks for those first.
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