fnm
fast Node.js version manager written in Rust
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
fnm command [options] [arguments]
DESCRIPTION
fnm (Fast Node Manager) is a Node.js version manager written in Rust. It provides quick installation and switching between Node.js versions with minimal overhead.The tool reads .node-version or .nvmrc files for automatic version switching. Shell integration enables per-directory version selection without manual commands.fnm emphasizes speed with Rust implementation and cross-platform support including Windows.
PARAMETERS
install [VERSION] [--lts]
Download and install a Node.js version. Accepts full versions (18.17.0), major versions (18), `latest`, or `--lts` for the newest LTS.use VERSION [--install-if-missing]
Switch the current shell to VERSION. With `--install-if-missing`, installs the version first if it is not present.default VERSION
Set the default global Node.js version used in new shells.current
Print the active Node.js version.list, ls
List all versions installed locally.list-remote, ls-remote
List all versions available from the distribution mirror.uninstall VERSION
Remove an installed Node.js version.alias VERSION NAME
Create a named alias for a version.unalias NAME
Remove a named alias.exec --using=VERSION CMD
Run CMD with a specific Node.js version without switching the shell.env [--shell=SHELL] [--use-on-cd]
Print shell configuration to be eval'd; enables fnm in the current shell and optionally auto-switches on directory change.completions --shell=SHELL
Print shell completion scripts for bash, zsh, fish, or PowerShell.--node-dist-mirror URL
Use an alternative Node.js distribution mirror.--fnm-dir PATH
Override the fnm installation directory (default `~/.fnm`).--log-level LEVEL
Control verbosity (quiet, error, info).--version, -V
Display version information.--help, -h
Display help information.
CONFIGURATION
.node-version
Specifies Node.js version for the current directory..nvmrc
Alternative version file format compatible with nvm.
INSTALL
CAVEATS
Shell integration via `eval "$(fnm env --use-on-cd)"` is required for `fnm use`, automatic version switching on `cd`, and keeping PATH in sync. fnm is not a drop-in replacement for nvm: it does not source bash profile or provide all nvm subcommands. Installed Node versions are stored under `$FNM_DIR` (default `~/.fnm`); the active version is symlinked into a per-shell directory, so different shells can have different active versions.
HISTORY
fnm was created as a fast alternative to nvm, the original Node Version Manager. Written in Rust, it dramatically improves installation and switching speed over shell-based alternatives.
