How to Uninstall Node.js on Mac? How to Remove It?

Removing Node.js from your Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Need to uninstall Node.js from your Mac to free up space or switch to a different development environment? This guide provides multiple methods, catering to different installation approaches. Node.js, a popular JavaScript runtime environment, is excellent for building scalable applications, but its removal can be tricky if you're unsure how it was installed.

Several methods exist for uninstalling Node.js, depending on your installation method: manual removal, Homebrew, Node Version Manager (NVM), or Terminal commands.

Manual Removal (Most Tedious):

This method requires meticulous attention to detail, as you'll manually delete individual files and folders.

1. Open Finder, navigate to "Go" > "Go to Folder".
2. Enter /usr/local/lib and click "Go".
3. Locate and move any files containing "node" to the Trash.
4. Repeat this process for the following directories: /usr/local/bin, /opt/local/bin/, /opt/local/lib/, /usr/local/lib/dtrace/, /opt/local/include/, /usr/local/include, /usr/local/share/doc/, /usr/local/share/man/man1/, /usr/local/share/systemtap/tapset/.

Homebrew Removal (Easiest):

If you used Homebrew, uninstalling is straightforward:

1. Open Terminal and execute: brew uninstall --force node

NVM Removal (Simple):

Node Version Manager (NVM) simplifies the process.

1. Open Terminal and use: nvm uninstall [version] (replace [version] with your Node.js version, e.g., nvm uninstall v18.16.0).

Determining Your Node.js Version:

1. Download the macOS installer for Node.js.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Open Terminal and run node -v to display the installed version.

Terminal Command Removal:

This method uses Terminal commands for a complete uninstall.

1. Open Terminal and run: sudo rm -rf /usr/local/{lib/node{,/.npm,_modules},bin,share/man}/{npm*,node*,man1/node*}
2. To remove globally installed NPM packages: rm -rf ~/.npm

Conclusion:

Uninstalling Node.js can be complex. This guide offers various methods to suit different installation scenarios. For a thorough cleanup, consider using a dedicated uninstaller tool like MacKeeper's Smart Uninstaller to ensure all leftover files are removed. This will prevent potential conflicts and keep your system clean.

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