Node.js v4 is now available on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 and 7 using Red Hat Software Collections 2.2 Beta. The Get Started with Node.js v4 guide has you covered even if you don’t know how to use Red Hat Software Collections (RHSCL) or how to access the beta. After enabling the RHSCL 2.2 Beta software repository on your system, you will be able to install node, npm, and up to 200 additional Node.js packages with a simple yum command.
Why use Red Hat Software Collections?
RHSCL enables you to install the latest development technologies using supported packages that can coexist with other versions such as those included with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Using a separate software lifecycle for software collections allows Red Hat to deliver and support newer releases of software as they mature from their upstream projects. Many of the packages in RHSCL are updated annually and are supported for up to three years. Consider this in contrast to the packages included with Red Hat Enterprise Linux that are supported for up to ten years. As a developer, if you are wondering why you should care about supported packages, think about what you need to do the next time a critical vulnerability is discovered in one of the packages that the software you deliver depends upon.
Switch between multiple versions
RHSCL packages are installed in /opt/rh/collection-name. When you want to use a software collection, you add it to your environment (command search, library, and manual path) using scl enable collection-name. This allows you to install both Node.js v4 and v0.10 and easily switch between them.