5 Quick Fixes for 'Zsh Command Not Found Yarn' Error

If you’re encountering the 'zsh: command not found: yarn' error, it’s likely because your system doesn’t recognize the yarn command. This issue often arises when Node.js and Yarn are installed, but the system’s shell (Zsh in this case) can’t locate the yarn executable. Below are 5 quick fixes to resolve this error, tailored for developers using Zsh on macOS, Linux, or other Unix-like systems.

1. Verify Yarn Installation

Before troubleshooting, ensure Yarn is actually installed. Run:

npm list -g yarn

If Yarn is installed globally, you’ll see its version number. If not, install it using:

npm install -g yarn

2. Update Your Shell’s PATH Variable

The PATH environment variable tells your shell where to look for executables. If Yarn’s installation directory isn’t in PATH, Zsh won’t find it.

Step-by-Step Fix:

1. Locate Yarn’s installation path. Typically, it’s in:

   • macOS/Linux: /usr/local/bin or ~/.npm-global/bin
   • Windows (WSL/Git Bash): /usr/bin or /usr/local/bin

2. Add the path to your shell’s configuration file (~/.zshrc for Zsh):

   echo 'export PATH="$PATH:/path/to/yarn/bin"' >> ~/.zshrc
   

   Replace /path/to/yarn/bin with the actual path (e.g., /usr/local/bin).

3. Reload the shell configuration:

   source ~/.zshrc
   

3. Use npx to Run Yarn Temporarily

If you don’t want to modify PATH, use npx to execute Yarn commands directly:

npx yarn <command>

For example:

npx yarn install

This works because npx searches for the executable in local and global npm directories.

4. Reinstall Yarn Globally with the Correct Permissions

Sometimes, Yarn is installed in a location that requires elevated permissions. Reinstall it globally with sudo:

sudo npm install -g yarn

Caution: Using sudo with npm can lead to permission issues. Instead, consider using a Node.js version manager like nvm to manage global installations.

5. Check for Conflicting Yarn Installations

Multiple Yarn installations can cause conflicts. Verify installed versions:

which -a yarn

If multiple paths appear, remove the conflicting installation or update your PATH to prioritize the correct one.

Bonus: Use a Node.js Version Manager (Recommended)

Tools like nvm or fnm simplify Node.js and package management. They automatically handle PATH updates and avoid global installation issues.

Install nvm and Yarn:

1. Install nvm:

   
   curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash
   

2. Install Node.js and Yarn:

   
   nvm install --lts
   npm install -g yarn
   

3. Restart your terminal and test yarn.

FAQ Section

By following these steps, you’ll resolve the 'zsh: command not found: yarn' error and get back to coding seamlessly. For long-term stability, consider adopting a Node.js version manager to avoid similar issues in the future.