Published on

How to install nodejs on Ubuntu 24.04

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Marcio Moreira Junior

Are you ready to dive into the world of JavaScript server-side development with Node.js? If you're running Ubuntu 24.04, you're in luck! In this guide, we will walk you through several methods to install Node.js on your system, allowing you to leverage its non-blocking, event-driven architecture. Considering that Node.js powers a significant portion of the web today, mastering its installation is a crucial skill for developers. Let's get started!

1. Understanding Node.js and Its Importance

Node.js is a powerful JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 engine. It allows developers to build scalable network applications and is well-suited for data-intensive, real-time applications. Understanding how Node.js functions will greatly enhance your ability as a developer and improve your application performance.

2. Using the NodeSource Repository for Installation

The simplest and most common way to install Node.js on Ubuntu is using the NodeSource repository. This method ensures you get the latest version.

Step 1: Update Package Index

Before installing Node.js, it's good practice to update your package index:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Dependencies

You'll need to install curl, which is used to download the setup script:

sudo apt install curl -y

Step 3: Download and Run the NodeSource Setup Script

To install Node.js, run the following commands to set up the repository for Node.js 18.x (adjust the version as necessary):

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash -

Step 4: Install Node.js

Now that the repository is set up, you can install Node.js using:

sudo apt install nodejs -y

Step 5: Verify Installation

To confirm that Node.js and npm were installed correctly, check their versions:

node -v
npm -v

Expected output:

v18.x.x
8.x.x

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

If you prefer managing multiple versions of Node.js, consider using nvm, which allows you to install and switch between different versions easily.

Step 1: Install nvm

First, download and install nvm using cURL:

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

Step 2: Activate nvm

You need to either restart your terminal or use the following command to load nvm:

export NVM_DIR="$(dirname $(which nvm))"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"

Step 3: Install Node.js Using nvm

You can now install Node.js with the following command (replace 18 with your desired version):

nvm install 18

Step 4: Use a Specific Version of Node.js

To switch to a specific installed version):

nvm use 18

Verify the installation:

node -v

Expected output:

v18.x.x

4. Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

While installing Node.js, you might run into some issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:

  • Issue: Permission Denied Error: This happens if you try to install without root privileges. Always use sudo for installations that require administrative rights.
  • Issue: npm Command Not Found: If npm is not found after installation, ensure that your PATH environment variable is set correctly. You can add the following to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.profile:
export PATH=$PATH:$(npm bin -g)
  • Issue: nvm not found: Make sure you've added the nvm initialization line to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc file, and restart your terminal.

Conclusion

Installing Node.js on Ubuntu 24.04 is a straightforward process, whether you use the NodeSource repository or nvm. Both methods are effective, but your choice may depend on your specific needs for managing Node.js versions. Mastering this installation will set a solid foundation for your web development projects using JavaScript and Node.js. Happy coding!