How to Easily Install Node.js and NPM on Ubuntu 24.04 – A Developer’s Quick Guide

How to Easily Install Node.js and NPM on Ubuntu 24.04 – A Developer’s Quick Guide

Blog Article

If you’re a web developer or aspiring JavaScript programmer using Ubuntu, one of the first things you’ll want to do is install Node.js and NPM on Ubuntu 24.04. Node.js is a powerful runtime environment that lets you run JavaScript code on the server side, while NPM (Node Package Manager) is the go-to tool for managing JavaScript packages and dependencies.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the importance of Node.js and NPM, why Ubuntu 24.04 is a great platform to develop on, and how to easily set everything up using a trusted step-by-step tutorial from Vultr Docs.
Why Use Node.js and NPM?
Node.js allows developers to use JavaScript on both the client and server sides, making full-stack JavaScript development possible. It's widely used for creating fast, scalable web applications like chat servers, API backends, and even entire websites.
NPM, bundled with Node.js, is the largest software registry in the world. It allows you to install libraries and frameworks (like Express, React, or Vue), manage versioning, and share your own packages with others.
Together, Node.js and NPM form the backbone of modern web development.
Why Ubuntu 24.04?
Ubuntu 24.04 is the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) version, which means it’s stable, secure, and supported for years to come. Developers love Ubuntu for its speed, ease of use, and excellent community support. It's also compatible with a wide range of development tools and packages.
When you install Node.js and NPM on Ubuntu 24.04, you're setting yourself up for success in a reliable and developer-friendly environment.
Step-by-Step: Install Node.js and NPM on Ubuntu 24.04
Let’s go over how to get Node.js and NPM installed on your system. These steps are adapted from the trusted Vultr Docs, which provides a detailed guide.
Step 1: Update Your System
First, ensure your system is up to date:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Node.js and NPM
There are a few ways to install Node.js, but using the NodeSource repository is recommended for getting the latest stable version.
curl -fsSL sudo apt install -y nodejs

This command adds the official Node.js PPA (Personal Package Archive) and installs both Node.js and NPM.
Step 3: Verify the Installation
Once installed, verify the versions to ensure everything is working:
node -v
npm -v

You should see version numbers confirming that both Node.js and NPM are successfully installed.
Next Steps: Start Your Project
Once you’ve finished installing, you can start creating projects right away:
mkdir my-app
cd my-app
npm init -y

This sets up a basic package.json file for your project. From here, you can install libraries like Express.js:
npm install express

You’re now ready to build a full-stack application or API!
Tips for Managing Node.js Versions
If you want to work with multiple versions of Node.js (which is common in development), consider installing a version manager like nvm (Node Version Manager). It lets you switch between versions seamlessly without affecting other projects.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to install Node.js and NPM on Ubuntu 24.04 is a fundamental step in becoming a full-stack or backend developer. With Node.js and NPM properly installed, you gain access to a vast world of tools, frameworks, and libraries that can elevate your development workflow.
Using a trusted guide like Vultr’s Node.js install tutorial, you can have your development environment up and running in just a few minutes.
Whether you're building real-time applications, REST APIs, or deploying production apps, Ubuntu 24.04 with Node.js and NPM is a reliable and robust combination that won’t disappoint.
So go ahead—get started today and bring your JavaScript projects to life!