Nodev is a macOS desktop application for managing Node.js development projects. Key features: project discovery, server management, custom .nodev domains, session restoration, dependency management, version management, environment variables. Target audience: Node.js developers on macOS managing multiple projects. Nodev bundles Node.js v20.18.0 and supports frameworks like Next.js, Nuxt, NestJS, Express, Vite, React, Remix, Astro, and Svelte. Package managers supported: npm, yarn, pnpm, bun. Requires macOS 12 (Monterey) or later.
nodev

Node.js Version Management

Download and manage multiple Node.js versions. Each project uses its own version.

Bundled Runtime

Nodev ships with Node.js included, so you can start working immediately:

  • • Node.js v20.18.0 bundled with the application
  • • No separate Node.js installation required
  • • Works immediately on first launch
  • • Completely isolated from your system Node.js
The bundled Node.js runtime is perfect for most projects. Download additional versions only when you need them.

Downloading Versions

Need a different Node.js version? Download it directly from the Settings page:

  1. 1. Open Settings from the menu bar
  2. 2. Go to the Versions tab
  3. 3. Click "Download Version"
  4. 4. Select from available versions on nodejs.org
  5. 5. The version downloads and installs automatically
Downloaded versions are stored in ~/.nodev/versions/ and are available to all projects.

Per-Project Configuration

Each project can be configured to use a specific Node.js version:

• Auto: Use the bundled Node.js v20.18.0

• Specific Version: Choose any downloaded version (e.g., v18, v22, v25)

• .nvmrc: Read from project's .nvmrc file

The server console shows which version is actually running by executing node -v on the configured binary. This ensures transparency and helps with debugging.

Bundled Package Managers

Nodev includes all major package managers, pre-configured and ready to use:

  • • pnpm v9.15.0 — Fast, disk space efficient
  • • yarn v1.22.22 — Classic, reliable
  • • bun v1.1.38 — Ultra-fast, all-in-one toolkit
Package managers are completely isolated from system installations. Nodev automatically detects which package manager your project uses based on lock files.

Zero System Dependencies

Nodev is completely self-contained:

  • • No conflicts with system-wide Node.js installations
  • • No conflicts with nvm, fnm, or other version managers
  • • Works consistently across all machines
  • • Portable and fully contained within the app
This makes Nodev ideal for teams. Everyone can use the same versions without worrying about individual system configurations.

Version Display

Nodev clearly shows which version each project is using:

  • • Project settings show the configured version
  • • Server console displays the actual running version
  • • Visual indicators for bundled vs downloaded versions
  • • LTS and Latest badges in the versions list
Nodev - Predictable local development for multi-project teams | Product Hunt