Quick Tip: Install Node.js on Ubuntu

This guide details three methods for installing Node.js on Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution. We'll cover prerequisites, environment setup, and uninstallation.

Key Benefits:

• Master Node.js and npm installation via the default repository, NodeSource, or NVM (Node Version Manager).
• Configure your development environment, including project creation and basic program execution.
• Learn how to remove Node.js using either apt or NVM, depending on your chosen installation method.

Understanding Node.js:

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment for building scalable server-side applications and APIs. Its event-driven architecture and non-blocking I/O model make it ideal for real-time applications. Its benefits include scalability, rapid development, and a large, active community.

Prerequisites:

1. A compatible Ubuntu version.
2. sudo privileges (verify with sudo whoami).
3. Basic familiarity with JavaScript and the command line.

Installation Methods:

We'll explore three distinct installation methods:

1. Default Ubuntu Repositories: Simple, but may offer an older Node.js version.
2. NodeSource Repository: Provides access to the latest stable releases.
3. NVM (Node Version Manager): Recommended for managing multiple Node.js versions. Ideal for developers frequently switching versions.

Method 1: Default Ubuntu Repositories

This method is straightforward.

• Update package lists: sudo apt update
• Install Node.js and npm: sudo apt install nodejs (then sudo apt install npm if needed). Confirm with 'Y' when prompted.
• Verify installation: node -v and npm -v should display version numbers.

Method 2: NodeSource Repository

This method ensures you have the latest Node.js version.

• Add the NodeSource repository: (Consult the NodeSource GitHub page for the correct command based on your Ubuntu version. Typically involves curl or wget to download and execute an installation script).
• Install Node.js and npm: sudo apt install nodejs
• Verify installation: node -v and npm -v

Method 3: NVM (Node Version Manager)

NVM allows easy management of multiple Node.js versions.

• Install NVM: (Follow instructions from the NVM GitHub repository's README. This usually involves downloading and running a script). Add export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm" && [ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && . "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" to your shell configuration file (e.g., .bashrc). Restart your terminal.
• Select and install a Node.js version: nvm install --lts (for the latest LTS version).
• Set default version: nvm alias default <version></version>
• Switch between versions: nvm use <version></version>
• Uninstall a version: nvm uninstall <version></version>

Uninstallation:

• Using apt: sudo apt remove nodejs (if installed via Method 1 or 2).
• Using NVM: nvm uninstall <version></version> (after deactivating with nvm deactivate).

Summary:

This guide provides three robust methods for installing and managing Node.js on Ubuntu. Choose the method that best suits your needs and experience level.

FAQs:

• Node.js installation on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS: See the detailed instructions within the main article.
• Verifying sudo privileges: Run sudo whoami.
• Switching between NVM-installed versions: Use nvm use <version></version>.
• Uninstalling Node.js: Use apt or NVM as described above.

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