Install Node.js on Ubuntu

February 24, 2025 rootlogic linux ubuntu

How to Install Node.js on Ubuntu: A Complete Guide

Node.js is a powerful JavaScript runtime that enables server-side execution of JavaScript code. This guide covers multiple installation methods, their pros and cons, and helps you choose the right approach for your needs.

Understanding Node.js Versions

Before installation, understand Node.js versioning:

  • LTS (Long Term Support) Versions: Currently 20.x and 18.x - best for production
  • Current Version: Latest features but less stable
  • Development Version: Experimental features

Method 1: Installing Node.js from Ubuntu Repository

This method uses Ubuntu's default package manager. While convenient, it might not provide the latest version.

Update your system's package index (always start with this):

sudo apt update

Install Node.js and npm packages:

sudo apt install nodejs npm

Verify your installation:

nodejs --version
npm --version

Advantages of this method:

  • Simplest installation process
  • Automatic security updates through Ubuntu's package manager
  • Guaranteed compatibility with Ubuntu's ecosystem

Disadvantages:

  • Usually older version of Node.js
  • May lack latest features and performance improvements
  • Some npm packages might require newer Node.js versions

Method 2: Installing Node.js Using NodeSource Repository

NodeSource maintains up-to-date Node.js binaries. This method provides newer versions while maintaining system package management benefits.

First, install curl if not already installed:

sudo apt install curl

Download and execute the NodeSource setup script:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash -

Understanding the command:

  • -fsSL: curl flags for silent, show errors, follow redirects
  • sudo -E: preserve user environment variables

Install Node.js (includes npm):

sudo apt install nodejs

Verify the installation:

node --version
npm --version

Version Selection Guide:

  • setup_20.x - Latest LTS version, recommended for most users
  • setup_18.x - Previous LTS, still widely supported
  • setup_19.x - Current version, for testing new features

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

NVM is ideal for developers who need to switch between Node.js versions. It's particularly useful for testing applications across different Node.js versions.

First, install required dependencies:

sudo apt install curl build-essential

Download and run the nvm installation script:

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

The script will clone the nvm repository to ~/.nvm and add environment variables to your profile.

Load nvm in your current session:

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

Common nvm commands:

# List available remote versions
nvm ls-remote

# Install specific version
nvm install 20.11.1

# Install latest LTS version
nvm install --lts

# List installed versions
nvm ls

# Switch to specific version
nvm use 20.11.1

# Set default Node.js version
nvm alias default 20.11.1

Installing Build Tools

Many Node.js packages require compilation. Install essential build tools:

sudo apt install build-essential python3

Additional useful development tools:

sudo apt install git git-core

Advanced npm Configuration

Set up a better npm environment:

# Create global installation directory
mkdir ~/.npm-global

# Configure npm to use new directory
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'

# Add to PATH
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.profile

# Update current session
source ~/.profile

Recommended npm configurations:

# Save exact versions
npm config set save-exact true

# Set default package init values
npm config set init.author.name "Your Name"
npm config set init.author.email "[email protected]"
npm config set init.license "MIT"

# Configure npm to use less output
npm config set loglevel warn

Project-Specific Configuration

Create a project-specific .nvmrc file:

echo "20.11.1" > .nvmrc

# Automatically use project's Node.js version
nvm use

Production Environment Setup

For production servers, set NODE_ENV:

echo 'export NODE_ENV=production' >> ~/.profile
source ~/.profile

Install production monitoring tools:

npm install -g pm2
pm2 startup

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fix EACCES Errors

# Check npm cache ownership
sudo chown -R $USER:$GROUP ~/.npm

# Clear npm cache
npm cache clean --force

# Reset npm cache
rm -rf ~/.npm

Node Command Not Found

# Create symlink if needed
sudo ln -s $(which nodejs) /usr/bin/node

# Verify PATH
echo $PATH | grep node

Security Best Practices

  • Regularly update packages: 
    npm audit
npm update
npm audit fix
  • Use package-lock.json for consistent installations
  • Implement rate limiting in production
  • Configure secure HTTP headers

Monitoring and Maintenance

# Check for outdated packages
npm outdated

# List global packages
npm list -g --depth=0

# Monitor running Node.js processes
pm2 monitor

Next Steps

After installation, consider:

  • Setting up a development environment (VS Code, Git)
  • Installing essential global packages (nodemon, yarn)
  • Configuring ESLint and Prettier
  • Setting up debugging tools

Additional Resources

  • Official Node.js Documentation
  • npm Security Best Practices
  • Node.js Design Patterns
  • Performance Tuning Guidelines