How to Install Node.js on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Install Node.js on Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide

Node.js, an open-source JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 engine, has emerged as a fundamental element in web development. It allows developers to create server-side applications using JavaScript. If you're looking to work with Node.js on an Ubuntu system, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the process of installing Node.js on Ubuntu, from selecting the right version to running your first application.

Understanding how to install Node.js is crucial as it enables you to harness powerful features like asynchronous I/O, event loops, and modules that can enhance performance in web applications. By the end of this article, you’ll not only learn how to install Node.js on Ubuntu but also have insights into managing different versions, setting up npm (Node Package Manager), and deploying your applications effectively.

1. Understanding Node.js and Its Relevance

Node.js is vital for building scalable network applications because of its non-blocking I/O architecture. Here's why learning Node.js can be a game-changer for you as a developer:

• JavaScript Everywhere: Use JavaScript for both frontend and backend development.
• High Performance: Node.js handles many connections simultaneously, making it suitable for I/O-heavy applications.
• Rich Ecosystem: A vast library of modules available through npm accelerates development.

Node.js is not just for real-time applications; its versatility also extends to microservices, APIs, and enterprise applications.

2. Preparing Your Ubuntu Environment

Before installing Node.js, ensure your Ubuntu system is updated and that you meet the necessary prerequisites:

• Operating System: This guide is tailored for recent Ubuntu versions (20.04 and later).
• Update Package Index: Open your terminal and run the command below:

sudo apt update

After updating the package index, consider installing some essential tools:

• Build-Essential: This package installs required packages for building software.
• Curl: A command-line tool to transfer data with URLs.

sudo apt install build-essential curl

3. Choosing the Right Installation Method

Node.js can be installed through various methods on Ubuntu:

• Apt Package Manager: The easiest method, recommended for beginners.
• Node Version Manager (nvm): Ideal for managing multiple Node.js versions.
• Downloading from the Official Node.js Website: Useful for the latest version.

Let’s explore each method in-depth:

3.1 Method 1: Using Apt Package Manager

This is the simplest way to install Node.js. Here's how:

sudo apt install nodejs npm

This command installs both Node.js and npm. To verify the installation, you can check the versions:

node -v
npm -v

3.2 Method 2: Installing Using nvm

nvm allows you to install and manage multiple Node.js versions seamlessly. Start by installing nvm with the following command:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | bash

After installation, load nvm with:

export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
source $NVM_DIR/nvm.sh

Now that nvm is set up, you can install Node.js:

nvm install node

Check installed versions:

nvm ls

3.3 Method 3: Downloading from the Official Website

This method lets you get the latest stable version directly. Follow these steps:

• Go to the official Node.js website.
• Download the appropriate version for your system (LTS is recommended).
• Extract the downloaded tar file:

tar -xvf node-v14.17.0-linux-x64.tar.xz

Move it to the /usr/local directory:

sudo mv node-v14.17.0-linux-x64 /usr/local/nodejs

Now, update the PATH variable:

echo 'export PATH=/usr/local/nodejs/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Confirm the installation:

node -v
npm -v

4. Basic Configuration After Installation

Once Node.js is installed, a few configurations can improve your development experience:

• Setting npm global directory for packages:

mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'

Then add the npm global directory to your PATH:

echo 'export PATH=$HOME/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Now you can install packages globally without requiring sudo.

5. Verifying the Installation and Initial Testing

To confirm Node.js is running as expected, you can create a simple web server:

const http = require('http');
const hostname = '127.0.0.1';
const port = 3000;
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.statusCode = 200;
  res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
  res.end('Hello Worldn');
});
server.listen(port, hostname, () => {
  console.log(`Server running at http://${hostname}:${port}/`);
});

Save this code in a file named server.js and run it using:

node server.js

Visit http://127.0.0.1:3000 in your browser to see if you can access your server!

In this guide, you’ve learned about the significance of Node.js, installed it on your Ubuntu system using different methods, and created a basic web server to confirm the installation. Node.js opens the door to a plethora of opportunities in web development and software engineering.

As you continue your journey with Node.js, explore its rich ecosystem, utilize npm for package management, and consider diving into frameworks like Express.js to enhance your applications further. We encourage you to share your experiences with the community or try out new projects as you expand your skills!

Ready to dive deeper into Node.js? Share this guide with fellow developers and stay tuned for our upcoming articles focused on advanced Node.js techniques and best practices!