How to upgrade or downgrade Node.js using npm

Heads up! This post was written in 2016, so it may contain information that is no longer accurate. I keep posts like this around for historical purposes and to prevent link rot, so please keep this in mind as you're reading.

— Cory

Need to update your version of Node.js? Here's how you can upgrade or downgrade from the command line using npm.

Upgrading to the latest stable version #

This will update you to the latest available stable version:

sudo npm cache clean -f
sudo npm install -g n
sudo n stable

Upgrading to the latest LTS version #

Node also offers a long-term support (LTS) version. If you need that version (or any other), simply specify the version number you want:

sudo npm cache clean -f
sudo npm install -g n
sudo n 4.4.2

Checking your Node version #

To see which version of Node is currently installed, simply run:

node -v

The version number displayed is the one that's currently active on your machine.