Fix · Node, npm and build

Node version mismatch (unsupported engine)

What you may see

A package says it needs a newer or older Node
It works for my friend with a different version

Most likely cause

The Node version installed on the computer is not the one the project or one of its packages supports.

Check first (about two minutes)

Run node -v and compare it with "engines" in package.json and a .nvmrc file if there is one.

The fix prompt

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The exact error or what you see

What you did before it happened

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Prompt language

You are a patient senior engineer who knows Node.js, npm and build tools and explains them to people who are not developers. I am not a developer, so explain every step in plain words and tell me exactly which button, menu or command you mean. If you are not sure about something, say so; do not guess.

THE PROBLEM
Node version mismatch (unsupported engine)

THE EXACT ERROR OR WHAT I SEE
[paste the exact error here]

WHAT I DID BEFORE IT HAPPENED
[write in a few words what you did before it happened]

MOST LIKELY CAUSE
The Node version installed on the computer is not the one the project or one of its packages supports.

DO THESE STEPS, IN THIS ORDER
1. Show node -v, the engines field and any .nvmrc, and tell me which version the project wants.
2. Explain how to switch Node version safely with a version manager (ask me before installing one).
3. Pin the version in package.json "engines" so it is clear for everyone.
4. Reinstall dependencies with npm ci after switching.
Stop and tell me if what you see does not match a step. Do not skip ahead.

CHECK THAT IT WORKED
- node -v shows the wanted version and npm run build passes.
Tell me exactly what I should see on the screen when it works.

DO NOT CHANGE
- Do not upgrade major package versions just to match Node.
- Anything I did not ask about: the design, the text, other pages, other settings or the data.
- Do not delete files, data or branches, do not reset or force-push, and do not rewrite history, unless you first show me exactly what would be lost and I say yes.
- Do not paste, print or ask me to paste a password or secret key into this chat. If one is needed, tell me which settings page of the right service to store it in.

WHEN YOU FINISH
Explain in simple words what you changed (file by file or setting by setting), why you changed it, and how I can undo it.

Paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or Cursor, then follow what it says.

After you tried it, did it work?

Steps

Show node -v, the engines field and any .nvmrc, and tell me which version the project wants.
Explain how to switch Node version safely with a version manager (ask me before installing one).
Pin the version in package.json "engines" so it is clear for everyone.
Reinstall dependencies with npm ci after switching.

Do not do this

Do not ignore the warning if the build later breaks.
Do not upgrade major package versions just to match Node.

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