🚀 Node.js and Python Project Setup Cheatsheet

1. Install nvm.fish for Fish Shell

Install nvm.fish to manage Node versions natively in Fish shell:

fisher install jorgebucaran/nvm.fish

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2. Install Required Node.js Versions

Install the specific Node versions needed for your project.

• Install a specific version: fish nvm install 12.18.1

• Install the latest LTS release: fish nvm install lts/iron

• Verify installed versions: fish nvm ls

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3. Install Required Python Version

If the correct Python version is not available, use pyenv to install it:

• Install a specific Python version: bash pyenv install 3.10.12

• Set the local Python version for the project: bash pyenv local 3.10.12

Verify the Python version:

python --version

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4. Create Python Virtual Environment

Create a virtual environment for the project:

• Use the Python shim to create a virtual environment: bash python -m venv .venv

• Source the virtual environment (handled by direnv): bash source .venv/bin/activate

• Upgrade pip: bash pip install --upgrade pip

• Install project dependencies (e.g., from a requirements.txt file): bash pip install -r requirements.txt

Verify the virtual environment and Python version:

which python
python --version

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5. Create a .nvmrc File

The .nvmrc file specifies the Node version required for your project.

Example .nvmrc file:

12.18.1

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6. Create .envrc for Project Setup

Set up Node.js, Python virtual environments, and environment variables using direnv.

.envrc:

# Set NVM directory
export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.local/share/nvm"

# Use Node.js version specified in .nvmrc
NODE_VERSION=$(cat .nvmrc)
NODE_BIN_PATH="$NVM_DIR/versions/node/v$NODE_VERSION/bin"

if [ -d "$NODE_BIN_PATH" ]; then
    export PATH="$NODE_BIN_PATH:$PATH"
else
    echo "Node version $NODE_VERSION is not installed. Run: nvm install $NODE_VERSION"
    exit 1
fi

# Activate Python virtual environment
source .venv/bin/activate

# Load environment variables from .env
dotenv .env

Allow direnv to load the environment:

direnv allow

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7. Install Node Project Dependencies

Install all project dependencies based on package.json:

npm install

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8. Verify Dependencies

List local project dependencies:

npm list --depth=0

Check for missing peer dependencies or vulnerabilities:

npm audit

Fix missing peer dependencies:

npm install <package-name> --save-dev

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9. Run and Test the Project

Start the development server:

npm start

Build the project:

npm run build

Verify Python setup:

which python
python --version

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Workflow Summary

1. Install NVM and Node versions:

   fisher install jorgebucaran/nvm.fish
   nvm install <version>

2. Set Node version in .nvmrc:

   12.18.1

3. Install Python version and create virtual environment:

   pyenv install 3.10.12
   pyenv local 3.10.12
   python -m venv .venv

4. Activate the environment with direnv:

   direnv allow

5. Install dependencies:

   pip install --upgrade pip
   pip install -r requirements.txt
   npm install

6. Verify and run:

   npm list --depth=0
   npm start
   python --version

✅ Done: Your Node.js and Python project environment is ready!

Additional notes

Cleanout and re-install node packages

rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json
npm install

Cleanout python packages

rm -rf .venv

Unsource the environment and re-create with the correct python (see above)

python -m venv .venv