node: /lib64/libm.so.6: version `glibc_2.27' not found (required by node)

3 min read 26-11-2024

node: /lib64/libm.so.6: version `glibc_2.27' not found (required by node)

When using Node.js on a Linux-based system, users may encounter various errors that can hinder their development process. One such error is:

node: /lib64/libm.so.6: version `glibc_2.27' not found (required by node)

This error indicates that the version of the GNU C Library (glibc) installed on your system is outdated compared to the version required by the Node.js installation. In this article, we will explore what causes this error, how to check your glibc version, and the steps to resolve the problem.

Understanding glibc and Its Importance

The GNU C Library, or glibc, is a core component of Linux operating systems. It provides the system calls and basic functions needed for running applications. Applications, including Node.js, depend on certain versions of glibc for compatibility. When an application requires a glibc version that is not available on your system, you will encounter errors like the one we are discussing.

Checking Your Current glibc Version

To determine the glibc version installed on your system, you can use the following command in the terminal:

ldd --version

This command will display the version of the GNU C Library. If your installed version is lower than 2.27, it is likely the source of the error.

How to Resolve the glibc Version Error

1. Upgrade Your Linux Distribution

The easiest and most reliable solution is to update your entire Linux distribution to a newer release that includes glibc 2.27 or higher. Most modern distributions, like Ubuntu, Debian, or CentOS, have a package manager that simplifies the update process.

To perform an upgrade on an Ubuntu/Debian-based system, you can execute:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

For CentOS/RHEL-based systems, you can use:

sudo yum update

2. Install the Required glibc Version

If upgrading the entire distribution is not feasible, you can attempt to install the specific glibc version. This method can be more complex and may lead to system instability, so proceed with caution.

Using the package manager for your distribution, you can try searching for glibc:

For Ubuntu/Debian systems:

apt list --installed | grep libc6

For CentOS/RHEL:

yum list installed | grep glibc

Once you've found the package, you can upgrade it if necessary.

3. Use a Node Version Manager

Another alternative is to use a Node version manager like nvm (Node Version Manager). This allows you to install and manage multiple versions of Node.js. Often, using nvm will help you bypass compatibility issues by using pre-built binaries that are compatible with your existing glibc version.

To install nvm, use the following commands:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash

Then, to install a specific version of Node.js, use:

nvm install <version-number>

4. Build Node.js from Source

If none of the above methods work, you can try to build Node.js from source. This method ensures that Node.js is compiled with the libraries available on your system. Follow these steps:

Install the necessary build tools:
```
sudo apt install build-essential
```
Download the Node.js source code from the official Node.js website.
Extract the downloaded tar file and navigate into the directory:
```
tar -xzf node-v<version>.tar.gz
cd node-v<version>
```
Build Node.js:
```
./configure
make
sudo make install
```

Conclusion

Encountering the node: /lib64/libm.so.6: version glibc_2.27' not found (required by node)` error can be frustrating, but with the right steps, it can be addressed effectively. By upgrading your Linux distribution, installing the appropriate glibc version, using a node version manager, or building Node.js from source, you can get back to developing without further interruptions. Always ensure your system libraries are up to date to avoid compatibility issues in the future.

Additional Resources

By following the guidance in this article, you can overcome the glibc version error and continue to work effectively with Node.js.