Regarding what version of Node JS to use, the best way to decide is to directly reference the nodejs.org releases page: nodejs.org/en/about/releases/.

Basically:

• Use a version that is in Maintenance LTS or Active LTS
• Don’t use odd numbered releases in production (13, 15, etc.). Support for those only lasts for six months.
• Maintenance for any given LTS version is a mere 30 months, so it makes sense to move onto the latest LTS as soon as you can.