Installing Node.js and npm on Ubuntu and Windows

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, widely used for building server-side applications. npm (Node Package Manager) is included with Node.js and helps manage dependencies for your Node.js projects. This tutorial will guide you through installing Node.js and npm on both Ubuntu and Windows operating systems.

Installing Node.js and npm on Ubuntu

1. Update Your System

First, update your package index to ensure you have the latest package lists:

sudo apt update

2. Install Node.js and npm

There are several ways to install Node.js and npm on Ubuntu. The easiest way is to use the NodeSource repository:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_14.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs

This command installs Node.js version 14.x along with npm. You can replace 14.x with the desired version.

3. Verify the Installation

Once the installation is complete, check the installed versions of Node.js and npm:

node -v
npm -v

You should see the version numbers displayed in the terminal.

Installing Node.js and npm on Windows

1. Download the Installer

Visit the official Node.js website at nodejs.org and download the Windows installer. Choose the LTS (Long Term Support) version for stability.

2. Run the Installer

Once the installer is downloaded, run it. Follow the prompts in the setup wizard:

• Accept the license agreement.
• Choose the installation path (the default is usually fine).
• Ensure the option to install npm is selected.
• Click Install to begin the installation process.

3. Verify the Installation

After the installation is complete, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and check the Node.js and npm versions:

node -v
npm -v

You should see the installed version numbers displayed.

Conclusion

Now you have successfully installed Node.js and npm on both Ubuntu and Windows systems. You can start building powerful applications using JavaScript on the server side. Make sure to regularly update your Node.js and npm installations to keep up with the latest features and security patches.

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Dorian Kane

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