How can I set up npm when Node.js is installed with a specific prefix?

Other Questions NPM
1

I have built Node.js from the source code using the git repository, and its current installation path is /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/node. Now that I have obtained the npm source code, I am unable to configure it to use my Node.js installation during the setup. Most search results suggest linking to /usr/bin/node or adding /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin to my global PATH. However, I consistently receive the following error: bin/npm: line 5: node: command not found. Due to system restrictions, I cannot install it globally and prefer to manage Node.js and npm versions on a per-project basis. My goal is to execute npm commands like this: /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/npm/bin/npm install ....

2

To set up npm with a Node.js installation using a specific prefix, try the following approach:

  1. Verify Installation Path: Make sure the paths are correct for your Node.js and npm binaries. For instance, Node.js is already located at /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/node.
  2. Set Environment Variables: Point npm to your Node.js binary by setting the NODE_PATH and PATH environment variables:
    3. export PATH="/Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin:$PATH"
export NODE_PATH="/Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/lib/node_modules"

    <li><strong>Install npm Locally:</strong> Run the npm installation script from the npm directory. Ensure you're in the right directory where the npm source code resides:

    /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/node /path/to/npm/scripts/install.js

    <li><strong>Set npm Prefix:</strong> If necessary, configure npm to know where to install and run from by setting a prefix:

    /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/npm config set prefix '/Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/npm'

    <li><strong>Run npm Commands:</strong> Now, you should be able to execute npm commands using:

    /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/npm/bin/npm install ...

This method should allow you to manage Node.js and npm versions independently per project, without needing to install them globally.

3

Setting up npm with a custom Node.js installation prefix requires a few considerations to ensure that npm recognizes your Node.js installation. Here's an alternative perspective to achieve this:

  1. Ensure Correct Node.js Installation: Verify that the Node.js binary is indeed executable from the path /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/node. You can confirm this by running the following command:
    2. /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/node -v
    <li><strong>Link npm to Node.js Effective Path:</strong> Make sure npm can locate the correct Node.js binary by setting a symbolic link in the npm bin directory. This helps npm use the correct executables:</li>
<pre><code>ln -s /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/node /Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/npm/bin/node</code></pre>

<li><strong>Adjust npm Installation:</strong> Once the npm source is available, navigate to the npm directory and execute <code>npm install -g</code> using the specific node path:</li>
<pre><code>/Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/node /path/to/npm/cli.js install -g</code></pre>

<li><strong>Specify npm Prefix:</strong> Configure npm to understand where to install packages locally:</li>
<pre><code>/Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/nodejs/bin/npm config set prefix '/Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/npm'</code></pre>

<li><strong>Ensure PATH Configuration:</strong> Add the npm binary path to your <code>PATH</code> environment variable to simplify command execution:</li>
<pre><code>export PATH="/Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/npm/bin:$PATH"</code></pre>

<li><strong>Run npm Commands:</strong> You should now be able to run npm commands from the local instance:</li>
<pre><code>/Users/toutpt/makina/cubes/parts/npm/bin/npm install ...</code></pre>

With this configuration, you can manage your Node.js and npm installations isolated from the global environment, maintaining project-specific versions.