Node.js is a powerful open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to execute JavaScript code outside of a web browser. It’s widely used for building scalable network applications, web servers, APIs, and real-time services. npm (Node Package Manager) is the default package manager for Node.js, providing a vast repository of reusable code packages and tools to manage project dependencies.
This Tutorial will guide you through the process of installing Node.js and npm on your Ubuntu 24.04 system, ensuring you have the necessary tools to kickstart your JavaScript Development.
Step 1: Update Your System
Before installing any new software, it’s always a good practice to update your package lists and upgrade existing packages to their latest versions. Open your terminal and run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Install Node.js and npm from Ubuntu Repositories
Ubuntu’s default repositories often contain a stable version of Node.js and npm. While it might not be the absolute latest version, it’s usually sufficient for many use cases and is the simplest installation method.
To install Node.js and npm, execute the following command:
sudo apt install nodejs npm -y
This command installs both the Node.js runtime and the npm package manager.
Step 3: Verify the Installation
After the installation is complete, you can verify that Node.js and npm are correctly installed and check their versions:
To check Node.js version:
node -v
To check npm version:
npm -v
You should see version numbers displayed for both, confirming a successful installation.
Step 4: (Optional) Install Build Tools
Some npm packages may require compiling from source. It’s a good idea to install build tools that help with this process:
sudo apt install build-essential -y
With Node.js and npm successfully installed, your Ubuntu 24.04 system is now ready for JavaScript development. You can start creating Node.js applications, installing packages with npm, and exploring the vast ecosystem of JavaScript tools.
