What should be the format of the '.node-version' file, and where should I place it?

Question

This file instructs NodeJS version managers (such as avn and nodenv, and I guess that there are more) - which node version to use.

However, I have not been able to find anywhere, which format this file should abide to.

For example, should it be a JSON file? And if yes, what keys and values should it contain?

Running node --version gives me v8.11.2.

Also, where exactly should I place this file? My hunch tells me that it should reside next the package.json file in each one of my repositories, is that correct?

Answer 1

The .node-version file is read by multiple projects, but there is not a defined standard.

In my testing, the format that worked with every product is a three part version number on a single line with a unix line ending.

e.g.

8.11.2

I documented usage and some supported features here: https://github.com/shadowspawn/node-version-usage