How to Install Node js on Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide

Let’s explore how to install Node js on ubuntu, but before that let’s talk a bit about Nodejs. Node.js is a powerful runtime environment that allows developers to execute JavaScript code server-side. It’s built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, providing high performance and scalability. Installing Node.js on Ubuntu provides developers with a stable, secure, and well-supported environment for building and running JavaScript applications, making it a preferred choice for many development projects.

How to Prepare for Installation

How to Check Ubuntu Version

Before performing a nodejs install on Ubuntu, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re running a compatible version of the operating system. To check the Ubuntu version, open a terminal and run the following command:

lsb_release -a

This command will display detailed information about the Ubuntu release, including the version number. Make sure that your version is supported for the install node ubuntu process.

Let’s Update System Packages

To ensure that your system has the latest updates and security patches, it’s essential to update the system packages. Run the following commands in the terminal:

sudo apt update sudo apt upgra

The apt update command refreshes the list of available packages, while apt upgrade installs the latest updates for the installed packages. It’s recommended to perform these updates regularly to keep your system secure and stable.

Let’s Install Essential Tools like curl or wget

Installing essential tools like curl or wget can be helpful for downloading files and dependencies during the nodejs install process on Ubuntu. You can install them using the following commands:

For curl:

sudo apt install curl

For wget:

sudo apt install wget

These tools are commonly used for fetching files from remote servers and are often required for downloading Node.js installation files or additional dependencies.

Read More: Nodejs Logging  

How to Install Node js

Method 1: Using NodeSource repository

Adding NodeSource repository: NodeSource provides a Node.js binary distribution that simplifies the installation process. Follow these steps to add the repository:

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

This command retrieves the setup script for Node.js version 16.x from the NodeSource repository and executes it with elevated privileges.

Installing Node.js and npm: After adding the repository, you can install Node js and npm using the following commands:

sudo apt-get install -y node

This command installs both Node.js and npm packages from the NodeSource repository.

Method 2: Using apt package manager

Installing Node.js and npm directly from Ubuntu repositories: Ubuntu’s default repositories also provide Node.js and npm packages. Run the following command to install them:

sudo apt-get install -y nodejs npm

This command installs both Node.js and npm packages directly from the Ubuntu repositories.

Verifying Installation

Checking Node.js version: After installation, verify the Node.js version using the following command:

node -v

This command will display the installed Node.js version.

Verifying npm installation: Similarly, verify the npm installation by running:

npm -v

This command will display the installed npm version.

How to Update Node.js on Ubuntu

How to Check Current Nodejs Version

Before updating Node.js, it’s essential to check the current installed version. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal:

node -v

This command will display the currently installed Node.js version. Note down the version number for reference.

How to Update Node.js using NodeSource Repository

To update Nodejs ubuntu to the latest version using the NodeSource repository, follow these steps:

Add NodeSource Repository: Run the following command to add the NodeSource repository:

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

This command fetches the setup script for Node.js version 16.x from the NodeSource repository.

Install Node js: After adding the repository, install Node using the following command:

sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

This command installs the latest version of Node.js available in the NodeSource repository.

Verifying Updated Installation

To verify that Node.js has been successfully updated to the latest version, run the following commands:

Check Node.js Version: Execute the following command to check the updated Node.js version:

node -v

Ensure that the displayed version is the latest one you intended to install.

Verifying npm Installation: Additionally, verify the npm installation by running:

npm -v

This command will display the version of npm installed alongside Node.js.

Read More: Nodejs Alternatives

How to Troubleshoot Common Issues

Permission Errors During Installation

Permission errors during Node.js installation often occur when the user running the installation command doesn’t have sufficient privileges. To resolve this:

1. Run as Administrator: On Windows, right-click the installer and select “Run as administrator” to ensure installation with elevated permissions.
   

Use Sudo: On Unix-based systems like Linux or macOS, prepend the installation command with sudo to execute it with superuser privileges. For example:

sudo apt-get install nodejs

1. Set Correct Permissions: If you encounter permission errors related to file access, ensure that the directories where Node.js is being installed have appropriate permissions for the current user.
   

Dependency Conflicts

Dependency conflicts may arise when installing Node.js packages due to incompatible versions or duplicate dependencies. To troubleshoot:

1. Update Dependencies: Ensure that all dependencies are up-to-date by running npm update before installing new packages.
2. Check Package Versions: Verify that the versions of dependencies specified in your package.json file are compatible with each other. Use npm ls to inspect dependency trees for conflicts.
3. Resolve Version Conflicts: Manually adjust package versions in your package.json file to resolve conflicts. You may need to experiment with different versions until you find a combination that works.

Other Common Errors and Their Solutions

1. Network Errors: Check your internet connection and firewall settings. Use a VPN if necessary to bypass network restrictions.
2. Memory Issues: Increase system memory allocation or optimize memory usage within your Node.js application to prevent out-of-memory errors.
3. Syntax Errors: Review your code for syntax errors or typos. Use debugging tools like console.log() statements or a debugger to identify and fix issues.

Read More: How to Install Node js on Windows

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Wrapping Up!

In this article, we explored how to install node js on ubuntu, it opens up a world of possibilities for developers, enabling them to build scalable and efficient applications using JavaScript. With its rich ecosystem and strong community support, Node.js is a vital tool for Ubuntu users looking to create innovative solutions. Let’s embrace Node.js and continue exploring its potential to drive technological advancements and shape the future of software development. Hire Nodejs developers from Artoon Solutions for your softly handling your backend & creating highly super fast scalable applications.

FAQs

1) How to install node js in Ubuntu using terminal?

To install Node on Ubuntu using the terminal, you can use the apt package manager by running sudo apt install node.

2) How to install Node on Ubuntu 14?

For Ubuntu 14, you can follow the same process as for newer versions of Ubuntu, using the apt package manager to install Node.

3) How to install NVM and node js on Ubuntu?

To install NVM (Node Version Manager) and Node.js on Ubuntu, you can follow the instructions provided on the NVM GitHub page or use a package manager like apt or curl.

4) How to install Nodejs on Ubuntu from the command prompt?

To install Node.js on Ubuntu from the command prompt, you can use the apt package manager by running sudo apt install nodejs.

5) Where to npm install?

You can run npm install in the directory where your project’s package.json file is located to install dependencies for your Node.js project.