How to Install Node.js on Ubuntu All Versions in 2024: Step By Step Guide

To install Node.js on Ubuntu, start by updating your package list to ensure you have the most recent information on available packages. Open a terminal and run sudo apt update. To get the latest version of Node.js, you’ll need to add the NodeSource repository. Execute the command curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -, replacing 16.x with the desired version if needed. 

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This script adds the necessary repository to your system. After adding the repository, install Node.js by running sudo apt install -y nodejs. This will install both Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager), which is essential for managing JavaScript packages. Verify that the installation was successful by checking the versions of Node.js and npm with node -v and npm -v. 

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If you plan to compile native add-ons from npm packages, it’s useful to install build-essential for development tools by running sudo apt install -y build-essential. This comprehensive installation process will ensure that Node.js is correctly set up on your Ubuntu system, providing you with a powerful JavaScript runtime for development.

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Prerequisites

Before installing Node.js on Ubuntu, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

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• Ubuntu Operating System: Ensure your system is running a supported version of Ubuntu. Node.js installation is compatible with various Ubuntu versions, including the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) releases.

• Terminal Access: You need access to a terminal on your Ubuntu system. You can use the default terminal application or connect via SSH if you are managing a remote server.

• Root or Sudo Privileges: Administrative access is required to install software packages. Ensure you have sudo privileges to execute commands with elevated permissions.

• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is necessary to download and install packages and repositories.

• Basic Command Line Knowledge: Familiarity with basic terminal commands, such as updating package lists and installing software, will help you follow the installation process smoothly.

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By meeting these prerequisites, you ensure that the Node.js installation process on your Ubuntu system will proceed without issues, allowing you to leverage its capabilities for JavaScript development effectively.

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Method 1: Installing Node.js From The Ubuntu Repository

Update Your Package Index

Begin by updating your package index to ensure you have the latest information on available software. Open a terminal and execute:

sudo apt update

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Install Node.js

Install Node.js directly from the default Ubuntu repository. This will also include the npm package manager, which is essential for managing Node.js packages.

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Run:

sudo apt install -y nodejs

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Install npm (Node Package Manager)

Although npm is typically installed alongside Node.js, you may need to install it separately if it is not included.

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Execute:

sudo apt install -y npm

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Verify the Installation

After installation, check that Node.js and npm are correctly installed by querying their versions.

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Run:

node -v
npm -v

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These commands will display the installed versions of Node.js and npm, confirming that the installation was successful. If everything is set up correctly, you can now start using Node.js for your development projects.

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Method 2: Installing Node.js via NodeSource Repository

Add NodeSource Repository

To install the latest version of Node.js, add the NodeSource repository to your system. This repository provides up-to-date Node.js packages. First, download and execute the NodeSource setup script. Open your terminal and run:

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curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -

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• Replace 16.x with the desired version number if you need a different version.

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Install Node.js from NodeSource

With the NodeSource repository added, you can now install Node.js. This installation will also include npm (Node Package Manager).

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Run:

sudo apt install -y nodejs

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Verify the Installation

Confirm that Node.js and npm are correctly installed by checking their versions. Use the following commands:

node -v
npm -v

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These commands will display the versions of Node.js and npm, ensuring that the installation was successful. By using NodeSource, you ensure you have access to the latest features and improvements of Node.js.

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Method 3: Installing Node.js Using nvm (Node Version Manager)

Install nvm

To manage multiple versions of Node.js efficiently, install Node Version Manager (nvm). First, download and install nvm by running:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.5/install.sh | bash

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This script will download and install nvm. After installation, load nvm into your terminal session:

source ~/.bashrc

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• If you're using a different shell, replace ~/.bashrc with ~/.zshrc, ~/.profile, or the appropriate configuration file.

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Load nvm

To use nvm, ensure it's loaded in your terminal session. You can verify if nvm is installed correctly by running:

command -v nvm

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• This command should return nvm if the installation was successful.

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Install Node.js Using nvm

With nvm installed, you can now install the desired version of Node.js. For example, to install the latest LTS version, run the following:

nvm install --lts

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• If you need a specific version, replace --lts with the version number, such as 14.17.0.

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Verify the Installation

Confirm that Node.js and npm are correctly installed by checking their versions.

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Run:

node -v
npm -v

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• These commands will display the versions of Node.js and npm, verifying that nvm has successfully installed them. Using nvm allows for easy switching between different Node.js versions and keeps your development environment flexible.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Node.js or npm Commands Not Found

• Issue: After installation, you receive errors like the command not found when trying to run node or npm.

• Solution: Ensure that Node.js and npm are properly installed and accessible. For system-wide installations, ensure that /usr/bin or /usr/local/bin is in your PATH. If using nvm, make sure to load nvm properly with source ~/.bashrc or equivalent for your shell. Verify installation with node -v and npm -v.

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2. Permission Issues

• Issue: You encounter permission errors when installing packages or running Node.js commands.

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Solution: If using the system package manager, avoid using sudo for npm commands, as it can lead to permission issues. For npm, use nvm to manage permissions. You can also adjust directory permissions where npm installs global packages by changing ownership with:

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sudo chown -R $(whoami) ~/.npm

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3. Outdated Node.js Version

• Issue: The installed version of Node.js needs to be updated.

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Solution: Update Node.js by adding the latest NodeSource repository or using nvm to install the latest version. For NodeSource, follow the setup instructions for the desired version. With nvm, update Node.js by running:

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nvm install --lts
nvm use --lts

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4. Incompatibility Issues with Packages

• Issue: Some npm packages may not work due to Node.js version incompatibilities.

• Solution: Use nvm to switch to a different version of Node.js that is compatible with your packages. You can also check the package documentation for compatibility requirements and ensure your Node.js version matches.

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5. Installation Errors

• Issue: Errors occur during installation, such as network issues or corrupted files.

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Solution: Recheck your internet connection and try reinstalling. For nvm installations, ensure the installation script runs correctly and try reinstalling nvm. For package-specific issues, clear npm’s cache with:

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npm cache clean --force

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6. Conflicts with Existing Node.js Installations

• Issue: Conflicts arise if multiple versions of Node.js are installed.

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Solution: Use nvm to manage multiple versions and avoid conflicts. Uninstall any previous system-wide Node.js installations if you plan to use nvm exclusively. Remove old versions with the following:

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sudo apt remove nodejs

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By addressing these common issues, you can ensure a smooth setup and operation of Node.js on your Ubuntu system.

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Advantages of Using Node.js

Node.js offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for developers building modern web applications. Its asynchronous, event-driven architecture ensures high performance and scalability, allowing applications to handle numerous simultaneous connections efficiently.

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By using JavaScript for both server-side and client-side development, Node.js simplifies coding and promotes consistency. The extensive npm ecosystem provides access to a wealth of libraries and tools, accelerating development.

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Additionally, Node.js excels in real-time capabilities and supports cross-platform development, enhancing flexibility and reach. These advantages collectively contribute to faster, more efficient, and scalable application development.

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• Asynchronous and Event-Driven Architecture: Node.js operates on a non-blocking, event-driven architecture, which allows it to handle multiple connections concurrently. This makes it highly efficient for I/O-heavy operations, such as reading files or handling network requests, improving overall performance and responsiveness.

• Single Programming Language: With Node.js, developers can use JavaScript for both server-side and client-side code. This uniformity simplifies the development process, enabling developers to write and maintain code more easily and allowing for greater consistency across the application.

• Scalability: Node.js is designed for scalability, making it suitable for building scalable network applications. Its event-driven model allows applications to handle a large number of simultaneous connections efficiently, which is beneficial for applications with high traffic and real-time data processing needs.

• Rich Ecosystem and Package Management: Node.js benefits from a vast ecosystem of libraries and modules available through npm (Node Package Manager). This extensive repository allows developers to integrate third-party modules and tools quickly, speeding up development and reducing the need to reinvent the wheel.

• High Performance: Node.js leverages the V8 JavaScript engine, which compiles JavaScript directly to machine code. This results in fast execution and high performance, especially for applications that require real-time processing and quick data handling.

• Community and Support: Node.js has a strong and active community that contributes to its growth and provides extensive support. The large number of tutorials, forums, and documentation available makes it easier for developers to find solutions and get assistance.

• Microservices Architecture: Node.js is well-suited for microservices architecture, where applications are built as a collection of small, independently deployable services. This modular approach improves maintainability, scalability, and deployment flexibility.

• Real-Time Capabilities: Node.js excels in real-time applications, such as chat applications and live updates, due to its ability to handle multiple simultaneous connections and its support for WebSockets. This makes it ideal for developing interactive and real-time features.

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Conclusion

Node.js stands out as a versatile and powerful platform for modern application development due to its non-blocking, event-driven architecture and single-language approach. Its ability to handle multiple connections concurrently and perform efficiently under high-traffic conditions makes it ideal for scalable and real-time applications. 

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The rich ecosystem of npm modules accelerates development, while its support for cross-platform deployment and microservices architecture enhances flexibility and maintainability. With a strong community backing and extensive resources available, Node.js equips developers with the tools needed to build high-performance, interactive, and scalable applications efficiently. As technology continues to evolve, Node.js remains a robust choice for tackling the demands of contemporary web and server-side development.