How to Install npm on Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing npm (Node Package Manager) on Linux is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your development experience. npm is an essential tool for managing packages and dependencies in Node.js applications. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, this guide will walk you through the steps to install npm on your Linux system.
Step 1: Install Node.js
Before you can install npm, you need to have Node.js installed on your Linux system. Node.js is a runtime environment that enables you to run JavaScript outside of a browser. You can download and install Node.js from the official website (https://nodejs.org/).
1. Open your terminal.
2. Navigate to the directory where you want to install Node.js.
3. Run the following command to download the installation script:
“`
curl -fsSL setup_14.x | bash –
“`
Replace `14.x` with the version of Node.js you want to install.
4. Once the script is downloaded, it will automatically install Node.js and npm on your system.
Step 2: Verify the Installation
After installing Node.js and npm, it is essential to verify that the installation was successful. To do this, open your terminal and run the following commands:
“`
node -v
npm -v
“`
These commands will display the installed versions of Node.js and npm, respectively. If the versions are displayed, it means that the installation was successful.
Step 3: Configure npm
Now that you have npm installed, you can configure it to suit your needs. Here are some common npm configurations:
1. Set the default npm registry:
“`
npm config set registry
“`
2. Set the default npm cache directory:
“`
npm config set cache /path/to/cache
“`
Replace `/path/to/cache` with the desired cache directory path.
3. Set the default npm prefix:
“`
npm config set prefix /path/to/prefix
“`
Replace `/path/to/prefix` with the desired prefix directory path.
Step 4: Install and Manage Packages
With npm installed and configured, you can now install and manage packages for your Node.js projects. Here are some basic npm commands:
1. Install a package:
“`
npm install
2. Uninstall a package:
“`
npm uninstall
3. List installed packages:
“`
npm list
“`
4. Update a package:
“`
npm update
5. Publish a package:
“`
npm publish
“`
By following these steps, you can successfully install npm on your Linux system and start managing packages for your Node.js projects. Happy coding!
