Use node from homebrew

Question

Running node -v in the terminal returns 0.12.2, while running brew info node to check homebrew's version of node, it returns 6.7.0

How can I work using homebrew's node? (6.7.0 instead of 0.12.2)

I've tried reinstalling everything, but it didn't work.

Dakar

Answer 1

Two options...

Either specify the full path to where hombrew installed node each and every time you use it:

/usr/local/bin/node -v

Or, change your PATH in your login profile to put /usr/local/bin ahead of everything else:

export PATH=/usr/local/bin:$PATH 

Peyter

I've tried that, but running node -v still returns 0.12.2. If its pointing to the homebrew folder, shouldn't it return the same version I see when I run brew info node? – Dakar

If you exported the PATH in your login profile, it will only execute next time you log in. To set it in your current session (without logging in afresh), just type the command in Terminal export PATH=/usr/local/bin:$PATH. Then try node -v again. – Peyter

Nope. Tried it now, but its not changing the return of node -v :/ – Dakar

Try /usr/local/bin/node -v – Peyter

It returns 0.12.2 as well – Dakar

Try brew rm node --force; brew install node and check any warnings about not linking – Peyter

Thanks. I found an error with the brew link. Forcing the overwrite of the link solved the problem – Dakar

I am going to bed now! If that didn't work, try brew doctor and let it tell you what is wrong with your setup. And if that doesn't work, try running type node to see if it is aliased or something mad, other than /usr/local/bin/node. Finally, pretend your Mac is Windows and try rebooting it. – Peyter

Excellent! I'm glad it helped :-) – Peyter

Answer 2

Don't use homebrew, use nvm. https://github.com/creationix/nvm

Not only is it easier to install and use, it also allows you to have multiple versions of node/npm installed and switch between them effortlessly (e.g. nvm install v6.7.0 and nvm use v6.7.0)

Photina

Answer 3

If you use the homebrew you can use the below path on ~/.bash_profile

export PATH=/opt/homebrew/bin/:$PATH   

Nameless