How to Install Node.js

NodeJS

Node.js is a popular JavaScript platform that allows you to run JavaScript code on the server-side. In this guide, we will explain how to install Node.js on your machine.

Step 1: Download the Installer

To begin, go to the official Node.js website at nodejs.org. On the homepage, you will find two download options: LTS (Long Term Support) and Current.

• LTS: This is the stable version of Node.js recommended for most users. It receives long-term support and is ideal for production environments.
• Current: This is the latest version of Node.js, which usually includes the newest features and improvements. However, this version may be less stable than the LTS version.

Choose the version that best fits your needs and download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 2: Run the Installer

Once the installer is downloaded, run it by double-clicking the file. You will be guided through the installation process with a user-friendly interface.

Basic Installation:

• Accept the license agreement terms.
• Choose the installation location. By default, Node.js will be installed in the Program Files directory on Windows and in the /usr/local directory on macOS and Linux. You can modify this location if desired.
• Select the components to install. By default, all necessary components are pre-selected, so you can leave them as they are.
• Select additional options, such as adding Node.js to the PATH which will allow you to run the node command from any directory in your terminal.
• Click “Install” to begin the installation process.

Custom Installation (Optional):

If you want to customize the Node.js installation, you can choose the “Install as a developer” or “Install for all users” option, depending on your specific needs.

Step 3: Verify the Installation

Once the installation is completed, it is recommended to verify if Node.js has been properly installed on your machine. To do this, open your terminal or command prompt and run the following commands:

node -v
npm -v

These commands will display the installed version of Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) on your machine. If the versions are displayed correctly, it means that Node.js has been successfully installed.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Node.js on your machine. You are now ready to start developing server-side web applications and explore the vast universe of packages available via the npm package manager.

Node.js offers great flexibility and has a large community of developers who continuously contribute to its ecosystem. Take advantage of this powerful platform to build fast, scalable, and high-performing applications.

If you want to learn more about Node.js and leverage its advanced features, refer to the official Node.js documentation at nodejs.org and explore the many tutorials and resources available online.