How to Install Nodejs and NPM
Written by
Iyere Erica Ofure
Edited by
Nifemi Omotosho
January 10, 2023.
To publish and install packages to and from the public or private npm registries, the Node.js framework and the npm command line interface must be installed with either a Node Version Manager or a Node installer. The nvm enables switching between different Node.js and npm versions, in order to test an application on various npm versions to make sure it functions properly for users on various versions.
With Node.js, it is possible to create web applications with two-way connections that allow for seamless real-time data flow between the client and server sides. Node.js has undoubtedly been a game-changer for programmers who wished to push real-time web applications to attain sustainable development environments. And this article aims to provide a step-by-step walkthrough for installing the Node.js framework and NPM and getting started with the web development journey.
The introduction of Node.js came as a lifesaver for JavaScript programmers across the world who struggled to scale their code into a long-term development environment while switching between multiple languages and frameworks. With Node.js, it is now possible to create web applications with two-way connections that allow for seamless real-time data flow between the client and server sides.
To start building your Node.js applications, the first phase is the installation of the node.js framework, and operating systems ranging from Windows to Ubuntu and OS X (macOS) can use the same framework. After installing the Node.js framework, you can begin building your first Node.js application.
To get you ready to deploy Node, this article will walk you through the process of installing Node.js and checking the NPM version on Windows, macOS, and Linus.
Description of Nodejs and NPM
Web servers and networked applications can be built using the Node.js environment, which is based on JavaScript. It can also be used to execute useful computer operations such as combining and minifying JavaScript files and turning Sass scripts into CSS.
NPM is a "package manager" that facilitates quick and simple installation of Node "packages." A package is merely a piece of code that gives Node new functionalities. For instance, the "request" package makes it simple to send HTTP requests so that you could quickly obtain online resources from other websites. Also, when you install Node.js, NPM is automatically installed.
Benefits of Node and npm installation
When deciding whether to use a certain platform, Fetchly takes into account several various criteria, including the platform's learning curve, development pace, community, and scalability. Fetchly leverages Node.js for the following primary benefits below:
- Given that both the front end and back end of apps can be built with JavaScript, Node JS enables Fetchly developers to run JavaScript code outside of a browser. As a result, the developers can share the same code and work on the entire program as a single team.
- Node JS is cross-platform, which means that Fetchly Labs in general can quickly reach all major platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, all with one code base.
- The Node Package Manager, often known as npm, allows Fetchly developers to easily download popular functionality in the form of smaller open-source software modules, eliminating the need to constantly reinvent the wheel.
How to install Nodejs and npm on Windows
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Download the Windows Installer: The Windows Installer (.msi) file must first be downloaded from the official Node.js website. The installer files contained in this MSI installer database are necessary for installing, updating, or changing the current Node.js version. Specifically, the Node.js package manager (npm) is included in the installation, and this implies that installing npm individually is not necessary.
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Start the setup process: Run the installation by double-clicking it, selecting the "I accept" checkbox, and then selecting next. Afterward, choose the location where you want to install Node.js; if not, keep clicking next until you see the box that says "Ready to install Node.js"; from there, click the Install button to start the installation process. Within a few seconds or minutes, the system will finish the installation and display a success message. To end the Node.js installation, click the Finish button.
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Confirm the Node.js Installation: To validate the installation and ensure that the right version was installed, open the command prompt on your PC and type 'Node —version'. You'll see the version name in the CMD prompt if Node.js and npm are successfully installed.
How to install Nodejs and npm on Linux
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Select a Node.js version that works with your Linux distribution: Visit the Node.js Binary Distributions page to get the installation instructions for your particular distribution.
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Curl Command-Line Tool installation: Make sure the curl command-line tool is installed on your system before proceeding with the installation of Node.js. If not, enter the following command to install curl in your terminal: ‘sudo apt install curl’. Your system password could be prompted to confirm that the installation was authorized.
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Launch the installation of Node.js: The Node.js installation command must be copied and pasted into your terminal for the system to start the Node.js installation. If everything is done correctly, Node.js will successfully install on your Linux distribution. To clean the terminal, enter the Clear command right away.
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Confirm the Node.js installation on the Linux: Run two straightforward Linux commands on your Linux terminal to verify the installation. Type: Node --version to verify the Node.js version and Type npm —version to view the current version of npm. The Node.js and npm version names should be displayed on the Linux terminal if they were successfully installed.
How to install Nodejs and npm on macOS
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Download macOS Installer: Visit the Node.js website and download the macOS installation (.pkg) file.
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Start the macOS Node.js installation: To begin the installation procedure, locate the installer file in your Downloads folder and click it. The Node.js installer contains the Node.js core file, therefore the installation procedure uses the installer file to install both Node.js and npm. The next step is to click Continue, accept the terms and conditions, choose a location, and then click Install to complete the process. The system will display a confirmation message following a successful installation procedure.
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Confirm Mac's Node.js installation: You must use the macOS terminal, press Command + Space, or use the search bar to verify the Node.js version. Type: node —version to view the Node.js version, and npm —version command to view the current version of npm. Both Node.js and npm are successfully installed and functioning if their versions are displayed. If not, you might have to check again to identify the issue or retry the installation.
Final Thoughts
As a result of its value in both front-end and backend, Node.js has swiftly gained popularity as a development environment. And thousands of active users have built a sizable community that prevents new developers and their queries from falling through the cracks.
In essence, Node.js is simple to learn and has exceptional capabilities for building complex apps.
*This is not the official Fetchly opinion but the opinion of the writer who is employed by Fetchly*
