Installing and Updating Tools

Volta makes it easy to install and manage JavaScript tools across your system and projects.

Installing Node.js

Default Node Version

To install Node.js as your default version:

volta install node

This command installs the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version of Node.js. To install a specific version:

volta install node@16
volta install node@16.14.2

You can also use version ranges:

volta install node@16.14
volta install node@^16.14

Project-Specific Node Version

To pin a specific Node.js version to your project:

volta pin node@16.14.2

This adds a volta section to your package.json file:

{
  "volta": {
    "node": "16.14.2"
  }
}

Managing Package Managers

Default Package Manager

To set a default package manager:

volta install npm@8
volta install yarn@1.22
volta install pnpm@7

Project-Specific Package Manager

To pin a package manager version to your project:

volta pin npm@8
volta pin yarn@1.22

This updates your package.json:

{
  "volta": {
    "node": "16.14.2",
    "npm": "8.5.0"
  }
}

Global Packages

Installing Global Tools

To install a global JavaScript package:

volta install typescript
volta install eslint

For specific versions:

volta install typescript@4.6.3

Viewing Installed Tools

To see what tools you have installed:

volta list all

To see only specific types of tools:

volta list node
volta list npm
volta list yarn
volta list packages

Updating Tools

Updating Global Tools

To update a global package to the latest version:

volta install typescript@latest

Updating Project Tools

To update a project-specific tool:

volta pin node@latest
volta pin npm@latest

Uninstalling Tools

To uninstall a global package:

volta uninstall typescript

To uninstall a default tool:

volta uninstall node
volta uninstall npm

Note: This doesn't remove the tool from your system if it's needed by a project.