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NodeJS

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. It allows developers to build scalable and fast web applications. This guide will help you install Node.js on your system.

Step 1: Download Node.js

1. Go to the official Node.js Download page.
2. Choose the LTS (Long Term Support) version for stability or the Current version for the latest features.
3. Download the installer suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 2: Install Node.js

On Windows:

1. Run the downloaded .msi file.
2. Follow the installation wizard and complete the setup.
3. Verify the installation by running the following commands in Command Prompt:

   node -v
   npm -v
   

On macOS:

1. Run the downloaded .pkg file and follow the installation instructions.
2. Verify installation:

   node -v
   npm -v
   

On Linux (Using Package Manager):

Ubuntu/Debian:

1. Open the terminal and run:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install nodejs npm
   

2. Verify installation:

   node -v
   npm -v
   

Using Node Version Manager (NVM):

1. Install NVM:

   curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/master/install.sh | bash
   

2. Close and reopen the terminal, then install Node.js:

   nvm install --lts
   

3. Verify installation:

   node -v
   npm -v
   

Step 3: Set Up NODE_HOME Environment Variable

Setting up the NODE_HOME variable ensures proper Node.js configuration.

On Windows:

1. Open System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables.
2. Add a new system variable:
   • Variable name: NODE_HOME
   • Variable value: Path to Node.js installation (e.g., C:\Program Files\nodejs)

On macOS and Linux:

1. Open the terminal and edit your profile file:

   nano ~/.bashrc  # or ~/.zshrc
   

2. Add the following line:

   export NODE_HOME=$(dirname $(dirname $(which node)))
   

3. Apply changes:

   source ~/.bashrc
   

Step 4: Verify Installation

Run the following command to check if Node.js and npm are correctly installed:

node -v
npm -v

Step 5: Run an Example Node.js Program

1. Open a text editor and create a new file named app.js.
2. Copy and paste the following Node.js code:

   console.log("Hello, Node.js!");
   

3. Save the file and navigate to the directory where it is saved using the terminal or command prompt.
4. Run the program using:

   node app.js
   

5. You should see the output:

   Hello, Node.js!
   

Conclusion

You have successfully installed Node.js on your system! You can now start building server-side applications using JavaScript.

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References

Node.js Doc