Npm command not found when using sudo

Other Questions NPM
1

I’m attempting to update Node.js to the latest version by following some online instructions. However, when I execute the command:

sudo npm install -g n

I encounter the error message:

sudo: npm: command not found

Interestingly, npm works fine when I run it without sudo. Running the command:

whereis node

produces the following output:

node: /usr/bin/node /usr/lib/node /usr/bin/X11/node /usr/local/node

And using:

which npm

reveals:

/usr/local/node/bin/npm

I have also inspected the /etc/sudoers file, which contains:

Defaults        secure_path="/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin"

This seems correct. What steps can I take to resolve the issue and make npm work with the sudo command?

2

Another approach to solve the npm command issue when using sudo is to leverage nvm (Node Version Manager). This tool simplifies managing different versions of Node.js and doesn't require sudo, thereby avoiding permission errors you’re encountering.

Using Node Version Manager (nvm):

  1. First, uninstall any existing Node.js versions managed by other means:
    2. sudo apt-get remove nodejs
    sudo apt-get remove npm
  2. Install nvm by executing the following command (ensure to verify the script through the secure repository):
    3. curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.4/install.sh | bash
  3. After installation, activate nvm by adding it to your .bashrc or using the command below:
    4. export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm" 
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \ . "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"
  4. Use nvm to install or switch Node.js versions smoothly:
    5. nvm install node
  5. To ensure npm commands do not require sudo, make global node_modules available for your user:
    6. echo 'NPM_CONFIG_PREFIX=${HOME}/.npm-global' >> ~/.bashrc 
source ~/.bashrc
  6. Create the directory for npm global installations:
    7. mkdir -p ~/.npm-global

Now, you should be able to install Node.js packages globally without sudo, as nvm will handle paths correctly, preventing permission issues. This approach not only resolves the current problem but also eases the management of Node.js versions in future development tasks.

3

Hey Dave,

Looks like npm isn't in secure_path for sudo. Fix it by adding the npm path to /etc/sudoers:

  1. Check npm path:
    2. which npm
  2. If it’s /usr/local/node/bin/npm, edit sudoers:
    3. sudo visudo
  3. Add :/usr/local/node/bin to secure_path:
    4. Defaults secure_path="/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin:/usr/local/node/bin"
  4. Save and exit.
  5. Re-run your sudo npm command.
    6. sudo npm install -g n

This should resolve your issue.

4

Dave, I understand you're facing a frustrating issue with npm not being found when using sudo. Here's an approach that offers an alternative solution focused on strengthening your Node.js environment in the long run, beyond merely addressing the immediate problem:

Utilizing Environment Variables for Robustness:

  1. Instead of modifying the /etc/sudoers file, consider setting up an environment variable that points to your npm path. This ensures stability across different sessions without altering system files.
  2. Add your npm path to the PATH variable within your shell configuration file (like .bashrc or .zshrc). Use the commands below:
    3. echo 'export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/node/bin' >> ~/.bashrc 

    source ~/.bashrc

  3. This will ensure your npm path is recognized in all terminal instances, including those using sudo.
  4. For immediate effect, re-source the configuration file:
    5. source ~/.bashrc

This method doesn't require you to modify /etc/sudoers, thus minimizing system-wide alterations. It allows you to manage paths locally for the user, maintaining a cleaner system while ensuring compatibility with sudo.

By employing this alternative route, you enhance your development environment with less complexity and maintain a flexible setup for future updates or package installations.