nvm is not compatible with the npm config "prefix" option:

node.js npm prefix nvm
Dmitri Zaitsev picture Dmitri Zaitsev · Jan 11, 2016 · Viewed 104.4k times · Source

I am trying to run another NodeJS version with nvm but getting this error:

$ nvm use v4.2.4

nvm is not compatible with the npm config "prefix" option: 
   currently set to "/Users/z/.npm-global"
Run `npm config delete prefix` or `nvm use --delete-prefix v4.2.4` to unset it.

I have my prefix set on purpose to avoid sudo npm (see https://docs.npmjs.com/getting-started/fixing-npm-permissions).

Is there any way I can use nvm without losing my prefix for globally installed packages?

Answer

Mick picture Mick · Dec 18, 2017

Delete and Reset the prefix

$ npm config delete prefix 
$ npm config set prefix $NVM_DIR/versions/node/v6.11.1

Note: Change the version number with the one indicated in the error message.

nvm is not compatible with the npm config "prefix" option: currently set to "/usr/local" Run "npm config delete prefix" or "nvm use --delete-prefix v6.11.1 --silent" to unset it.

Credits to @gabfiocchi on Github - "You need to overwrite nvm prefix"

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