Managing Multiple Node.js Versions with NVM (Node Version Manager) & Setting Up iPhone Simulator on macOS

In this article, we will discuss NVM, how to install Xcode on macOS for the Apple Simulator, and how to resolve common issues that may arise during Xcode installation.

What is NVM?

Node Version Manager (NVM) is a utility designed to help you manage multiple versions of Node.js on your system. Different projects may require different Node.js versions, and relying on a single version installed through npm can lead to inconsistencies across projects.

For example, if a user has Node.js version 10.x installed, but a project requires version 12.x, many would typically reinstall the required version. However, if the user needs both versions simultaneously, NVM becomes a valuable tool.

What Is XCode?

The iPhone Simulator in Xcode is a tool that allows developers to run and test iOS apps directly on their Mac without needing a physical iPhone. It mimics various iPhone models, enabling developers to see how their app behaves on different screen sizes and iOS versions. The simulator can handle tasks like interacting with the app, testing performance, and debugging issues.

With Xcode’s iPhone Simulator, you can simulate gestures, device rotation, and even test location-based services. Although it’s a powerful tool, it’s not a complete substitute for testing on real devices, as some hardware-specific features might behave differently.

First-Time NVM Installation on macOS

  • Install Homebrew

    /bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL
    https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install.sh)

  • Install NVM

    :brew install nvm
    source $(brew –prefix nvm)/nvm.sh

  • Install Node.js

    nvm install node

  • To install a specific Node.js version

    nvm install {version}

  • To switch to a different Node.js version

    nvm use {version}

  • Set a default Node.js version

    nvm alias default {version}

If NVM Is Already Installed on macOS

  • Load NVM

    source $(brew –prefix nvm)/nvm.sh

  • Check the Node.js version

    node -v

  • If the version is incorrect

    nvm use {version}

  • In the project directory

    npm install

  • Go to the iOS folder

    cd ios
    pod install

  • Start the development server

    npm start

Fixing CocoaPods Errors

  • If you encounter a CocoaPods error:

    sudo gem install cocoapods

Fixing Ruby or ffi Errors

  • If you encounter Ruby or ffi errors:

    sudo gem install bundler -v 2.4.22
    sudo gem install ffi

Fixing String Argument Parsing Errors

If you encounter a string argument parsing error:

  • Check if rexml is installed:

    gem list rexml

  • Uninstall version 3.2.9

    sudo gem uninstall rexml -v 3.2.9

  • Install version 3.2.6

    sudo gem install rexml -v 3.2.6

  • Install strscan

    sudo gem install strscan

  • In the iOS folder

    cd ios
    pod install

Using Manually Installed Xcode

If you installed Xcode manually, follow these steps:

  • Download and install Xcode:

    https://xcodereleases.com/

  • Set the Xcode path

    sudo xcode-select -s {Xcode path}
    sudo xcode-select –switch /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer

  • Verify the Xcode path

    xcode-select -p6

Launching an App on an iOS Device

  • Sign in to or create an Apple Developer
  • Add your device UUID and create certificates.
  • In your project directory, open the iOS folder.
  • Open the .xcworkspace file in Xcode.
  • In Xcode, go to Product > Build.
  • After a successful build, create an archive to distribute the app.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the distribution.