How to Install Node.js on Linux
Installing Node.js on a Linux-based operating system can vary slightly depending on your distribution. This guide will walk you through various methods to install Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) on Linux, whether using Ubuntu, Debian, or other distributions.
Prerequisites
- A Linux System: such as Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Fedora, or any other popular distribution. The installation steps may vary slightly between distributions, but most methods work on all major Linux distros.
- Access to the Command Line: You will need terminal access with root or sudo privileges to install software and packages.
- Updated System: It’s essential that your system’s package list is up-to-date.
- Internet Connection: An active internet connection is required to download Node.js and npm packages.
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1. Use Package Manager
For most Linux distributions, the easiest way to install Node.js is through the default package manager. Here’s how to do it for common distributions:
Steps to Install Node.js on Ubuntu/Debian
Step 1: Update your system
Before installing Node.js, make sure your package list is up to date.
sudo apt update
sudo apt update
Step 2: Upgrade the system
Once updates are installed you need to upgrade your system and to do this enter the below command.
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt upgrade
Step 3: Install Node.js
Ubuntu and Debian come with the apt package manager, which can be used to install Node.js. You can install Node.js directly from the official Ubuntu repositories.
sudo apt install nodejs
sudo apt install nodejs
Step 4: Install npm
npm is the package manager that comes bundled with Node.js. If it is not installed automatically, you can install it separately.
sudp apt install npm
sudp apt install npm
Step 5: Verify the Installation
To confirm that Node.js and npm are installed correctly, you can check their versions using:
- Type
node -vand press Enter to check the Node.js version. - Type
npm -vand press Enter to check the npm version. - Both commands should return version numbers, confirming successful installation.
verify the installations
Steps to Install Node.js on CentOS/RHEL
Step 1: Update your system
sudo yum update
Step 2: Install Node.js
You can install Node.js by adding the NodeSource repository:
curl -sL https://rpm.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo yum install -y nodejs
Step 3: Verify the Installation
Open Terminal to check the installed versions by running these commands:
- node -v: To check the Node.js Version
- npm -v: To check the npm version
verify the installation
2. Using Node Version Manager
NVM is a popular way to install and manage multiple versions of Node.js. It’s ideal if you need to use different versions of Node.js for various projects or if you want to easily upgrade or downgrade Node.js versions.
Step 1: Install and Activate NVM
First, download and install NVM using the following script:
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh | bash
nvm
Once installed, you need to add NVM to your shell configuration. You can do this by running the following command:
source ~/.bashrc
bash
Step 2: Install Node.js Using NVM
To install the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version of Node.js, run:
nvm install --lts
Switch Node.js Versions
If you need to switch between multiple versions, you can list installed versions using: nvm ls
To switch to a specific version you can use: nvm use 22
Step 3: Verify the Installation
You may now verify the nodejs installation using the following command:
- Type
node -vand press Enter to check the Node.js version. - Type
npm -vand press Enter to check the npm version.
verify the installations
Note: Both commands should return version numbers, confirming successful installation.
3. Install Node.js from NodeSource
NodeSource provides an up-to-date repository that ensures you get the latest version of Node.js.
Note: To install NVM on your Ubuntu machine, visit the project’s GitHub page. Copy the
curlcommand from the README file that displays on the main page to get the most recent version of the installation script.
Step 1: Add NodeSource repository
NodeSource maintains separate repositories for each version of Node.js. To install the latest version of Node.js
Before running your actual curl command if you are not a sudo user or root user run the below command:
sudo su curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -
Step 2: Install Node.js
After adding the repository, install Node.js using apt (for Debian-based systems):
sudo apt install -y nodejs
Step 3: Verify Installation by node -v and npm -v
Use the following command to verify the installations:
node -v
npm -v
4. Using Snap
Snap is another method for installing Node.js on Linux, especially for those who prefer installing software in a containerized form.
Step 1: Install Node.js with Snap
On Ubuntu and other distributions that support Snap, you can install Node.js directly:
sudo snap install node --classic
Step 2: Verify Installation
After installation, check the Node.js version:
node -v
verify the installations
Conclusion
Installing Node.js on Linux is a relatively simple process, but it can vary depending on your distribution and preferred installation method. Using package managers like apt or yum is the easiest method for most users, while NVM provides greater flexibility for managing multiple Node.js versions. With these installation methods, you can easily get Node.js up and running on your Linux machine.
How to Install Node JS on Linux – FAQs
How to Install Node.js on Linux?
Step 1: Open Terminal
Step 2: Update your package list using: sudo apt update
Step 3: Install Node.js from the official repository using: sudo apt install nodejs
Step 4: Install npm: sudo apt install npm
Step 5: Verify the installation
- node -v
- npm -v
How to install Node.js using NVM on Linux?
Step 1: Install NVM (Node Version Manager) using the following command:
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash
Step 2: Restart the terminal or run the following command to apply and save changes:
source ~/.bashrc
Step 3: Install the Node.js version using: nvm install node
Step 4: Verify the installation
- node -v
- nvm -v
How to uninstall Node.js on Linux?
Step 1: Open Terminal or press Ctrl+Alt+T
Step 2: Use the following command to remove node.js
- sudo apt remove nodejs
- sudo apt remove npm
What is the Difference Between Installing Node.js Using apt and NVM on Linux?
- apt: Installs the system-wide version of Node.js and is suitable for most users who need a stable version.
- nvm: Allows multiple versions of Node.js to be installed and switched between easily.
Can i install Node.js without installing npm?
It’s not recommended, as npm is the default package manager bundled with Node.js. However, you can manually install Node.js from source without npm, but it’s much more complicated.
