Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Node.js

Introduction

Node.js is a powerful JavaScript runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript code outside of a web browser. Installing Node.js is the first step to start building applications with it. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Node.js on your system, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• A computer with internet access.
• Basic knowledge of using the command line interface (CLI) on your operating system.

Step 1: Download Node.js

The first step is to download the Node.js installer for your operating system. Visit the official Node.js website at nodejs.org and download the recommended version for your system.

Step 2: Install Node.js on Windows

2.1. Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded installer to start the installation process.

2.2. Follow the Installation Wizard

Follow the prompts in the installation wizard. Accept the license agreement, choose the destination folder, and click “Install” to begin the installation.

2.3. Verify the Installation

Open a command prompt and type the following command to check if Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) are installed successfully:

node -v
npm -v

If installed correctly, you should see the versions of Node.js and npm printed to the console.

Step 3: Install Node.js on macOS

3.1. Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded .pkg file to start the installation process.

3.2. Follow the Installation Instructions

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may need to enter your password to authorize the installation.

3.3. Verify the Installation

Open the Terminal app and type the following commands to verify that Node.js and npm are installed:

node -v
npm -v

If installed correctly, you should see the versions of Node.js and npm printed to the terminal.

Step 4: Install Node.js on Linux

4.1. Using Package Manager (Recommended)

For Debian/Ubuntu-based systems, you can install Node.js using the package manager. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nodejs npm

4.2. Verify the Installation

After installation, verify Node.js and npm installation by typing:

node -v
npm -v

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Node.js on your system. You can now start building powerful JavaScript applications using Node.js. Remember to check the official Node.js documentation and explore npm for thousands of useful packages to enhance your development experience.