How to Install Node.js on Linux
Installing Node.js on Linux is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that enables developers to execute JavaScript code outside of a browser. It is widely used for server-side programming, as well as for building scalable network applications. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Node.js on various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, CentOS, and Fedora.
1. Check the Node.js Version
Before installing Node.js, it’s essential to determine which version you want to install. Node.js has two main branches: LTS (Long Term Support) and Current. LTS versions are recommended for production environments, as they are more stable and receive security updates for a longer period. Current versions, on the other hand, offer the latest features and improvements but may not be as stable.
To check the available versions, you can visit the official Node.js website or use the following command:
“`bash
curl -sL setup_14.x | bash –
“`
Replace `14.x` with the desired version number.
2. Set Up a Node.js Repository
To install Node.js on your Linux system, you’ll need to add the NodeSource repository to your package manager. This repository provides pre-built packages for various Linux distributions.
For Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions, use the following command:
“`bash
curl -sL setup_14.x | bash –
“`
For CentOS and RHEL-based distributions, use the following command:
“`bash
curl -sL setup_14.x | bash –
“`
For Fedora, use the following command:
“`bash
curl -sL setup_14.x | bash –
“`
3. Install Node.js and npm
Once the repository is set up, you can install Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) using your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions, use the following command:
“`bash
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs
“`
On CentOS and RHEL-based distributions, use the following command:
“`bash
sudo yum install -y nodejs
“`
On Fedora, use the following command:
“`bash
sudo dnf install -y nodejs
“`
4. Verify the Installation
After installing Node.js, you can verify the installation by running the following command:
“`bash
node -v
“`
This command should display the installed version of Node.js. Similarly, you can check the npm version with:
“`bash
npm -v
“`
If both commands return the version numbers, you have successfully installed Node.js on your Linux system.
5. Use Node.js for Development
Now that Node.js is installed, you can start developing JavaScript applications on your Linux machine. Create a new directory for your project and initialize it with npm:
“`bash
mkdir my-node-project
cd my-node-project
npm init -y
“`
You can now start writing your JavaScript code and use npm to install additional packages for your project.
In conclusion, installing Node.js on Linux is a simple and straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can have Node.js and npm up and running on your Linux system in no time. Happy coding!
