Linux

Where Does fnm Store Node Versions?

fnm data directory with installed Node versions and aliases on Linux.

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fnm installs Node versions into its XDG data directory with aliases and download cache alongside, resolving versions per shell in milliseconds. Project .nvmrc and .node-version files drive automatic switching.

The directory rebuilds from version files, so backups are optional. Copy it to skip redownloading toolchains on a fresh machine.

Where fnm stores this, by platform

Linux
~/.local/share/fnm

Versions live under node-versions with aliases next door. Override the root with FNM_DIR for another disk. Project pins come from .nvmrc or .node-version files in repos, not from this folder. Prune old versions to reclaim space.

Frequently asked questions

How do I auto-switch Node per project with fnm?

Add a .nvmrc file and enable shell integration so entering the directory runs fnm use automatically.

Where are fnm aliases?

In the aliases area of the data directory above. Recreate them with fnm alias after migrating.

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