Node-gyp is a tool used to compile native Node add-on modules in multiple platforms. Although it is a popular tool, some users experience trouble rebuilding the node-gyp on macOS, resulting in a less-than-stellar experience for developers. With the release of macOS Catalina, several developers also reported getting node-gyp rebuild fails on Mac after upgrading to the new macOS version. Fortunately, there are solutions available to resolve this issue.
What is Node-Gyp?
node-gyp is a tool used to compile Node.js Addons, which are native Node.js Modules written in C or C++. These modules need to be compiled on your machine using a tool like node-gyp. Node-gyp works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Node-gyp is generally easy to use because of its consistent interface. You can also use the same commands to build or rebuild your module on different platforms. Node-gyp also supports multiple target versions of Node.
If you’re getting an npm gyp error on Mojave or earlier versions of macOS, you need to double-check the requirements for node-gyp to work.
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Here are the requirements you need to install for node-gyp to work on macOS:
- Python v2.7, v3.5, v3.6, or v3.7
- Xcode – a utility that allows developers to create apps on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.
You also need to install the correct version of the Xcode Command Line Tools, which are part of the XCode’s suite of software development tools and libraries.
To install the Xcode Command Line Tools, follow the instructions below:
- Start Xcode on your Mac.
- Select Preferences from the Xcode menu.
- Under the General panel, click on Downloads.
- When the Downloads window opens, click on the Components tab.
- Click on the Install button beside Command Line Tools.
- Log in using your Apple Developer account to complete the installation process.
If you’re running macOS Catalina, you can download the appropriate version of the Command Line Tools for Xcode for your version of Catalina from here. For macOS 10.15.3, the filename should be Command_Line_Tools_for_Xcode_11.3.1.dmg. Once you have installed the correct components, you should be able to build using node-gyp successfully. If you get a node-gyp rebuild failing on Mac, you need to review these components to find out what went wrong.
Why Use Node-gyp?
Node-gyp is an indispensable tool when you’re working with Node.js. It allows you to build and rebuild native Node.js add-on modules on multiple platforms, ensuring consistent performance and behavior across Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility makes your development process smoother, eliminating the need to adjust your code for different operating systems. Additionally, node-gyp supports multiple versions of Node, giving you the flexibility to work with the Node version that suits your project best.
How to Solve the Node-gyp Rebuild Error
Installing a node module is an easy process. You just need to run specific commands and you should be good to go. If you encounter node-gyp rebuild Fails on Mac, you need to step back to figure out what happened.
But before you do, here are some basic troubleshooting steps you should try:
- Restart your computer to get rid of any temporary bugs that might be affecting your system.
- Close all unnecessary apps to free up your computer resources.
- Temporarily disable your security software, such as antivirus or anti-malware programs, ONLY if they interfere with the installation process and remember to enable them immediately after.
Note: Disabling security software can open up vulnerabilities to malware and viruses. It is better to check whether the software conflicts with node-gyp before deciding to disable it, and then ensure it is re-enabled afterwards. - Clean up your system using a reliable system cleaner, such as Mac repair app.
If you’re still getting a node-gyp rebuilding error, take a look at the solutions below and see which one works for you.
Fix #1: Double-check the Required Components.
The first thing you need to do when you get an npm gyp error on Mojave or other macOS version is to double-check the node-gyp’s installation requirements. As mentioned in the section above, you need three components for it to work, namely:
- Python
- Xcode
- Xcode Command Line Tools
Don’t forget to install the C and C++ languages, which will be needed to compile the modules. If any of these is missing or is not working, you’ll definitely get the rebuild fail error. Reinstalling the missing or faulty component should help fix the issue.
Fix #2: Update Your Node-Gyp Components.
Sometimes installing these components is not enough. You need to make sure you’re using the correct version for your macOS. You can choose between Python v2.7, v3.5, v3.6, or v3.7, depending on which version works for you. For the Xcode, you can download it from this link. You also need to install the latest version of node-gyp just in case.
Fix #3: Perform an Acid Test.
You can check whether the Xcode Command Line Tools on your computer is installed properly and will work with node-gyp, you can run an acid test by following these steps:
- On Xcode, run this command:
/usr/sbin/pkgutil –packages | grep CL - If you see com.apple.pkg.CLTools_Executables as listed, then you won’t have a problem. If it isn’t, then this test has failed and you need to reinstall it.
- Run the next command:
/usr/sbin/pkgutil –pkg-info com.apple.pkg.CLTools_Executables - You should see version: 11.0.0 (or later) as listed. If it is not, then this test failed as well and you need to reinstall.
Fix #4: Switch to a Different Python Version.
A lot of affected developers noted that changing the version of Python used for the active environment helped fix the issue for them. This has something to do with the compatibility between the macOS version, the Node version, and the Python version you are using. Some users found that older versions of Python, such as v2.7, are more stable than the newer ones. Experiment with different versions and see which one works for you.
Summary
Getting node-gyp rebuild fails on Mac can be a hassle and figuring out what went wrong can be a huge waste of time. So if you encounter this error, refer to the guide above so you know exactly what to do to fix the error.