The `expected-node-version` package provides a utility to programmatically retrieve the expected Node.js version for a project. It prioritizes speed and common configuration practices by checking environment variables (specifically `npm_package_engines_node` which is set by `npm start`), followed by the `.nvmrc` file, and finally the `engines.node` field within the `package.json`. This specific load order ensures that the most direct and often project-specific version is identified quickly. The current stable version is 1.0.2, with recent minor updates indicating active maintenance, though not a rapid release cycle. Its primary use case is for tools or scripts that need to determine the project's intended Node.js runtime without parsing multiple files manually, streamlining environment checks and ensuring compatibility. It simplifies the process of aligning development environments with project requirements.
npm install expected-node-versionVerified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.
Demonstrates how `expected-node-version` retrieves the Node.js version from different sources (environment variable, .nvmrc, package.json engines) following its defined load order. The example creates and cleans up temporary files to simulate different project configurations and showcases how the function prioritizes its checks.
For ESM projects, consider using a dynamic `import()` or ensuring your build/runtime environment is configured for CommonJS interoperability. Alternatively, wrap the `require` call in a separate CJS file and import that wrapper.
Understand the priority to ensure the correct version is being retrieved. If an unexpected version is returned, thoroughly check environment variables first, then `.nvmrc`, then `package.json`.
Always implement a null-check after calling `expectedNodeVersion()` to gracefully handle cases where no version is specified, e.g., `const version = expectedNodeVersion(); if (version) { /* use version */ } else { /* handle no version found */ }`If running in an ESM context, consider using a dynamic `import()` for CJS modules, or ensure your `package.json` is configured for CommonJS (e.g., by omitting `"type": "module"` or using `.cjs` extensions).
Implement a null-check before using the returned value: `const version = expectedNodeVersion(); if (version) { /* proceed with version */ } else { console.warn('No expected Node.js version found.'); }`No dependency data recorded yet.