Selecting the optimal Node.js version takes more than downloading the most current one. Selecting an inappropriate one can destroy your code or tools. So, What Version of Node.js Do I Need to Use? This is a question that every developer, newbie, or veteran,
I need to decide. The correct Node.js version provides you with speed, security, and seamless development. This article breaks it down simply so you can make the optimal selection.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat is Node.js and Why Versions Matter
Node.js is a JaScript runtime that lets you build server-side apps using JaScript. You can use it for websites, tools, APIs, and real-time services like chat or video calls. It runs fast, works well with modern tools, and is used by big names like Netflix and PayPal.
But not all Node.js versions are the same. Some are stable and safe, while others are newer but riskier. That鈥檚 why you must know What Version of Node.js Should I Use depending on what you’re building. A simple update could break your app or fix a big bug.
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How Node.js Versions Are Named
Node.js follows a version rule called Semantic Versioning. You鈥檒l see versions like 18.17.1 or 20.10.0. These numbers tell a lot.
The first number is for major changes. If this number goes up, some things might break. The second number is for features. The last one is for bug fixes. So version 18.17.1 is stable but not brand new. Version 20.0.0 means big changes from version 18.
Understanding LTS vs Current
LTS means Long-Term Support. These versions are safe, tested, and recommended for production. Most companies and teams use LTS because it doesn鈥檛 change too fast. You get security updates and bug fixes without surprises.
The current version is the newest release. It has the latest features, improvements, and changes. It鈥檚 great for testing, learning new stuff, or using cutting-edge tools. But it can break things if you鈥檙e not careful.
Here鈥檚 a simple table to show the difference:
FeatureLTS VersionCurrent VersionStabilityVery stableCan be unstableUpdatesSecurity + bug fixesNew featuresBest forProduction projectsTesting & learningSupport length30 months6 monthsRiskVery lowMedium to highThings You Must Consider First
Before you choose, think about your project. Is it new or old? Are you alone or in a team? Older apps might only work with older Node.js versions. Teams often need a common version to oid issues.
You also need to check your dependencies. Some libraries or tools might not work with the latest Node.js. If you use Express, Next.js, or Prisma, visit their docs to see what Node.js version they support. Your CI/CD tools or cloud host (like Vercel or Heroku) may also require a specific version.
Recommended Node.js Version in 2025
In 2025, the currently recommended LTS version is Node.js LTS v20.x, which will be supported until mid-2026. If you’re working on anything important, stable, or used by others, stick with LTS.LTS is perfect for:Web appsAPIsCLI toolsMicroservicesLarge projects
It gives you peace of mind. You鈥檒l oid bugs caused by unstable features. You鈥檒l also he help from the community, and your tools will work properly.
When to Use the Current Version
Sometimes you want the latest tools or performance boosts. That鈥檚 when the current version comes in. It鈥檚 great for side projects or learning.You should only use it when you:Are testing the newest ECMAScript featuresWant to try experimental Node APIs
Are building a project that won鈥檛 go live soonThe current version is not bad. It鈥檚 just not for everything. If you love trying new things and don鈥檛 mind bugs, go for it. But always test first.
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How to Check Your Node.js Version
To see your Node version, open your terminal or command prompt. Type:nginxCopyEdit node -vThis shows your current Node.js version. To check your npm version, use:nginxCopyEdit npm -v
If you want to manage many Node versions, use a tool like nvm (Node Version Manager). It works well on Linux and macOS. For Windows, use nvm-windows or fnm (Fast Node Manager).
These tools let you install different versions and switch between them easily. Here’s a table for quick comparison:
ToolOS SupportKey FeatureLinknvmmacOS, LinuxPopular, widely usedhttps://github.com/nvm-sh/nvmnvm-windowsWindowsSimple for Windowshttps://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windowsfnmAll OSFast & lightweighthttps://github.com/Schniz/fnmReal Examples: Which Version Works Best?
Let鈥檚 look at real situations. A small startup used the Current version for fast testing. But when they deployed to production, it broke because the host didn鈥檛 support that version. They later moved to the LTS version for stability.
Another developer used Node 16 LTS for an Express API. Two years later, they upgraded to Node 20 LTS smoothly, because the code was stable and the libraries were ready.
Why Semantic Versioning Matters
Let鈥檚 dig deeper into version numbers. Say you鈥檙e using Node.js 18.17.1. That鈥檚 not just a random set of digits. Here’s how to read it:18 is the major version. When this number changes, expect big changes that might break your code.
17 is the minor version. It means new features were added, but they won鈥檛 break your existing app.1 is the patch version. These are small fixes鈥攂ug squashes and tweaks that make things better.
Here鈥檚 a table to make it even clearer:
Version TypeChanges IncludeRisk LevelUpdate FrequencyMajorBreaking changes, core changesHighRareMinorNew features, no breaking codeLowModeratePatchBug fixes, no feature changesVery LowOftenHow Node.js LTS Versions Are Picked
You might wonder: who decides what becomes an LTS version and why? Here’s how it works. Every April and October, the Node.js team releases a new version. The one released in October is evaluated for a few months. If it proves stable, it becomes LTS the following October.
Once marked LTS, it gets 30 months of support. That means you鈥檒l keep getting important updates, even if a newer version comes out. It鈥檚 like choosing a car that鈥檚 been road-tested instead of buying the first model off the line.
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Version?
Let鈥檚 say you jump into the current version because it sounds newer and better. Suddenly, your forite package won鈥檛 be installed. Or worse鈥攜our code works on your laptop but crashes on your hosting platform.
That鈥檚 not rare. One developer upgraded to the newest version without checking compatibility. Their deployment to Vercel failed. Their only fix was rolling back to LTS and waiting for updates to the tools they used.
Why Node Version Managers Are Must-He Tools
Version managers like nvm, fnm, or nvm-windows are more than just nice tools鈥攖hey鈥檙e lifesers. Without them, you鈥檇 need to uninstall and reinstall Node every time you switch projects.
But with a manager, you can type a simple command to install or switch versions. Want to test your app on Node 16, 18, and 20? Just use:perlCopyEdit nvm use 18Or set a version in your project with a .nvmrc file. That way, everyone working on your code uses the same version.
What Version of Node.js Should I Use for Frameworks?
Many popular tools require certain Node.js versions. For example, if you’re building with Next.js, the docs clearly say that Node.js 18 or newer is needed for most features. If you’re using Express.js, it’s more flexible but still recommends staying close to the latest LTS.
Let鈥檚 break it down with another table:
Framework / ToolRequired Node.js VersionNotesNext.js18+New features need modern Node versionsExpress.js14+Compatible with LTS versionsPrisma16+Works best on current LTSVite18+Best on fast and modern Node versionsGatsby18+Needs modern Node, prefers LTSFAQ鈥漵Can I use the latest Node.js version in production?Only if your tools and host support it. LTS is safer for most projects.
Will upgrading Node.js break my code?It can. Always test before upgrading. Read release notes and library docs.
How often should I update Node.js?Check every 6 months. Stay on LTS. Upgrade only when needed.
Is Node.js backward compatible?Not always. Major changes may break old code. Stick with LTS to oid surprises.
What happens if I use an old Node.js version?You risk bugs, security holes, and tool failures. Use a supported version.
ConclusionIf you ask, What Version of Node.js Should I Use?, the answer is simple. Use the latest LTS version for anything serious. Try the Current version for experiments. Always test your code, manage your versions with tools like nvm, and check support dates. Choosing the right version helps you build faster, safer, and smarter.