How to Install Node.js and npm on Linux

Node.js is a popular JavaScript runtime designed to execute JavaScript code on the server side. While it is commonly used for backend applications, it is also widely preferred for full-stack and frontend solutions. npm, the default package manager for Node.js, has the largest software registry in the world, making it a vital tool for developers. This guide will walk you through the process of installing the latest version of Node.js (currently version 21.x) and npm on various Linux distributions, step by step.

Installation Methods

You can install Node.js and npm using the following methods:

1. Installing via NodeSource Repository
2. Installing via NVM (Node Version Manager)
3. Installing via Standard Distribution Repositories

1. Installing via NodeSource Repository

NodeSource is a reliable source for obtaining the latest stable versions of Node.js. By following the steps below, you can install Node.js from the NodeSource repository.

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

To add a new repository, you need to install some necessary dependencies first. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install curl gnupg

Step 2: Import the NodeSource GPG Key

Import the NodeSource GPG key using the following command:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/gpgkey/nodesource-repo.gpg.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/nodesource.gpg

Step 3: Add NodeSource Repository

Now, you need to add the NodeSource repository to your system. This allows you to install the latest version of Node.js. Run the following command:

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/nodesource.gpg] https://deb.nodesource.com/node_21.x $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nodesource.list

Step 4: Install Node.js and npm

With the repository added, you can now install Node.js and npm using the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nodejs

Step 5: Verify the Installation

To verify the installation, run the following commands to check the versions of Node.js and npm:

node --version
npm --version

If the installation is successful, you should see the version numbers of both Node.js and npm.

2. Installing via NVM (Node Version Manager)

NVM is a handy tool for managing multiple versions of Node.js. It provides flexibility for developers, allowing you to switch between different versions easily.

Step 1: Download and Install NVM

To install NVM, run the following command in your terminal:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash

Note: Do not use sudo with this command, as it will install NVM for the root user, which is unnecessary.

Step 2: Enable NVM

After installing NVM, either close and reopen your terminal, or run the following command to enable NVM:

export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && . "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"

Step 3: Verify NVM Installation

To confirm that NVM was installed correctly, run the following command:

nvm --version

This should display the version of NVM that is installed.

Step 4: Manage Node.js Versions

With NVM, you can easily install and manage different versions of Node.js. To install the latest version of Node.js, use the following command:

nvm install node

Step 5: List Installed Versions

To view the Node.js versions you have installed, use the following command:

nvm ls

This will list all the installed versions of Node.js, and you can easily switch between them using NVM.

3. Installing via Standard Distribution Repositories

Most Linux distributions include Node.js in their default repositories, though the versions available may not be the latest. However, this method is the simplest for those who just need a basic installation.

Ubuntu/Debian

For Ubuntu 20.04 and Debian 10, you can install Node.js and npm using the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nodejs npm

After the installation is complete, verify the installed version with the following command:

nodejs --version

Fedora

On Fedora, you can easily install Node.js using the dnf package manager. Run the following command:

sudo dnf module install nodejs:21

Arch Linux

For Arch Linux users, Node.js can be installed from the AUR (Arch User Repository). To do this, run the following command:

sudo pacman -S nodejs npm

This will install both Node.js and npm on your system.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve covered three different methods for installing Node.js and npm on various Linux distributions: through the NodeSource repository, via NVM, and using standard distribution repositories. Depending on your needs, you can choose the method that works best for you.

NodeSource is great for those who want the latest stable version, NVM offers flexibility for managing multiple versions, and standard repositories are the easiest but may not provide the most up-to-date releases. Whatever your choice, Node.js and npm are essential tools for any developer, and understanding how to install them correctly is the first step toward building robust JavaScript applications.