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.

Use Case

Running a Project Without Terminal

This feature is not about replacing npm run dev with a button. It automates the entire repetitive workflow required to start a Node.js project locally.

What developers usually do manually

This workflow needs to be repeated for every project, after every restart, often across multiple terminal windows.

cd my-project# Navigate to project

nvm use 20# Switch Node version

pnpm install# Install dependencies

pnpm dev# Start dev server

What happens when clicking Run

Project Startup Detection

Nodev analyzes your project and automatically determines the framework, package manager, and correct dev script.

Framework detection (Next.js, Vite, NestJS, Express)
Package manager detection (npm, pnpm, yarn, bun)
Auto-infers dev/start script from package.json

Dependency Check & Installation

Before starting, Nodev verifies node_modules exist and match the lockfile. Installation is triggered automatically if needed.

Checks for node_modules
Verifies lockfile sync
Auto-installs after git clone, pull, or branch switch

Node.js Version Resolution

The required Node.js version is resolved from .nvmrc, package.json engines, or project metadata.

Reads .nvmrc file
Checks engines.node in package.json
Uses bundled Node binary, isolated from system

Process Execution & Supervision

The dev server starts as a managed child process with continuous monitoring of state, output, and crashes.

Managed child process
Monitors stdout/stderr
Tracks exit codes and crashes
One-click restart on failure

Port & URL Detection

Nodev detects the active port from framework defaults or server output, then exposes URLs and browser actions.

Known framework defaults (3000, 5173, etc.)
Parses server output for port
Shows localhost URL
One-click 'Open in browser'

Why this is more than just a button

Without this approach

Multiple terminal windows for multiple projects
Repeat entire setup after machine restart
Easy to miss server failures in background
Manual port conflict resolution

With this approach

All projects visible in single dashboard
One click to restore all running projects
Status always visible, failures highlighted
Automatic port detection and assignment