How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows and Mac?

Quick Overview:

This guide gives a fast and simple stroll through for introducing Node.js and NPM on two Windows and Mac. From downloading the right rendition to confirming the establishment, we cover every one of the essential moves toward preparing your set up and to begin creating.

Introduction:

Here is our detailed guide on introducing Node.js and NPM on Windows and Mac! Node.js has turned into a foundation in current web improvement, offering a productive and versatile method for making network applications. Close by it,  Node Package Manager  (NPM) fills in as the help for overseeing bundles in Node.js. Whether you’re a fledgling venturing into the universe of improvement or an accomplished proficient hoping to find a way to improve your abilities, this guide will walk you through the establishment cycle in a clear, bit-by-bit way.

What is NPM

NPM, or Node Package Manager, is a priority apparatus in the domain of JavaScript and online development. It is the default package manager for Node.js, a Node.js runtime.

NPM is utilized to oversee project conditions by introducing, refreshing, and dealing with the numerous libraries and bundles that an undertaking might require. Little utilities to frameworks are examples of these packages.

Each bundle incorporates a form number and a rundown of conditions, guaranteeing that ventures have all that they need to flawlessly execute. Moreover, NPM provides an enormous assortment of open-source packages, making it a significant asset for developers wishing to utilize existing arrangements or offer their work to others.

This capacity further develops improvement processes as well as empowers a worldwide developer community of sharing and cooperation.

Components of NPM

Package Registry: NPM houses a tremendous online database set of public and confidential packages, permitting developers to transfer and share their code, as well as download and utilize code shared by others. This registry is a broad vault that contains a huge number of bundles, making it an indispensable asset for JavaScript developers.

Command Line Interface (CLI): NPM gives an order line interface that developers use to collaborate with the package registry, oversee project conditions, and run scripts. This CLI instrument is fundamental for introducing, refreshing, and overseeing packages within a project, and it offers different orders to smooth out these processes.

Package.json File: The package.json file is a key component in any Node.js project using NPM.It contains metadata about the task, like name, adaptation, and conditions. This document is utilized to give data to NPM that permits it to distinguish the undertaking as well as handle the venture’s conditions.

What’s NodeJS?

Node.js is a cross-stage open-source runtime climate for executing JavaScript code beyond a program. JavaScript was previously utilized to a great extent for client-side prearranging in web browsers.

Node.js, then again, permits developers to use JavaScript for server-side scripting, which includes running contents on the server to produce dynamic website page content before the page is transmitted to the user’s web browser.

Subsequently, Node.js represents a “JavaScript all over” worldview, uniting on the online application improvement around a solitary programming language as opposed to isolating dialects for server-and client-side contents.

Its non-blocking, occasion-driven architecture is considered magnificent execution, making it ideal for creating versatile network applications, for example, web servers, chat apps, and real-time communication apps.

Node.js utilizes the V8 JavaScript engine, which is the very motor that drives Google Chrome and gives astounding execution and rich capacities for server-side applications.

To begin with Node.js and NPM, you’ll require a couple of fundamental components:

Operating System Compatibility: Node.js and NPM are cross-stage and might be introduced on Windows, macOS, and Linux. For the best similarity and security, ensure your working framework is state-of-the-art.

Node.js Installation: In light of the fact that NPM is incorporated with Node.js, you should initially introduce Node.js. It is accessible for download from the Node.js site. Select the right adaptation for your situation; for the most part, the LTS (long-term maintenance) variant is liked for its unwavering quality and broadened support.

Text Editor or Integrated Development Environment (IDE): A decent code manager or Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is fundamental. Visual Studio Code, Brilliant Message, and Atom are phenomenal decisions for JavaScript and Node.js improvement.

fundamental JavaScript Knowledge: In light of the fact that Node.js is a JavaScript runtime, having a central comprehension of JavaScript is required. Despite the fact that you needn’t bother to be a specialist, knowledge of JavaScript syntax and standards will be very advantageous.

Skills in Command Line Interface (CLI): Node.js and NPM frequently cooperated with utilizing an order line interface. Fundamental CLI capacities are required, for example, directories and running commands.

Internet access is required to download Node.js and NPM packages, as well as to access online resources, documentation, and communities.

Understanding of Version Control (Optional but Recommended): Comprehension of a rendition control framework, for example, Git can be helpful, particularly while dealing with bigger tasks or helping out others.

Curiosity and eagerness to learn:  The JavaScript biological system is enormous and steadily evolving. A learning and exploring mentality is pivotal in staying aware of new devices, systems, and best practices.

How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows and Mac?

Installing Node.js and NPM on both Windows and Mac is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both operating systems:

For Windows:

Download Node.js:

• Visit the official Node.js website: nodejs.org.
• You’ll see two versions available for download: the LTS (Long Term Support) version and the Current version. Choose the LTS version for stability.
• Click on the “Windows Installer” link to download the .msi file suitable for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).

Run the Installer:

• After the download, run the .msi file.
• Follow the prompts in the Setup Wizard. Accept the license agreement and click ‘Next’.
• Choose the installation location and click ‘Next’.
• Make sure “NPM package manager” is selected in the components to install. Click ‘Next’.
• Allow the installer to add Node.js to the PATH.
• This step is crucial for running Node.js from the command line.

Finalize Installation:

• Click ‘Install’ to begin the installation.
• Once completed, click ‘Finish’ to close the Setup Wizard.

Verify Installation:

• Open Command Prompt.
• Type node -v to check the Node.js version.
• Type npm -v to verify NPM installation.

For Mac:

Download Node.js:

• Visit nodejs.org.
• Choose the LTS version for stability.
• Click on the “macOS Installer” link to download the .pkg file.

Run the Installer:

• Open the downloaded .pkg file.
• Follow the prompts in the installation wizard. Agree to the terms, and continue with the default settings.

Using Homebrew (Alternative Method):

• If you prefer using a package manager, you can install Node.js and NPM using Homebrew.

First, install Homebrew by opening the Terminal and running:

Then, install Node.js with:

Verify Installation:

• Open Terminal.
• Run node -v to check the Node.js version.
• Run npm -v to ensure NPM is installed.

By following these steps, you will have successfully installed Node.js and NPM on your Windows or Mac computer, setting you up for developing applications with Node.js.

How to Install Node Using “Homebrew”?

Step 1- 

Install Node.js and NPM:

Installing Node.js and NPM on your Mac is very easy using Homebrew. Homebrew simplifies the process by managing the download, unpacking, and installation of Node and NPM for you.

First, open your Terminal and run the following command:

brew install node

This command will download and install the necessary files for Node.js and NPM. Wait for the process to complete.

Step 2: Verify Node.js and NPM Installation

After installing Node.js and NPM, it’s important to verify that the installation was successful. This process is similar to verifying the installation on a Windows system.

In your Terminal, run the following commands:

For Node.js, type and run:

node -v

This command displays the installed version of Node.js.

For NPM, type and run:

npm -v

This command displays the installed version of NPM.

Homebrew also helps in keeping Node.js and NPM up to date. Ensure that you have the latest version of Node package available in Homebrew.

If you need to update Homebrew itself, run the following command:

brew update

To upgrade to the latest version of Node.js and NPM, execute

brew upgrade node

This command updates Node.js and NPM to their latest available versions.

By following these steps, you will have successfully installed and verified Node.js and NPM on your Mac using Homebrew, with the added advantage of easy updates in the future.

This format provides a clear and concise guide for Mac users to install and verify Node.js and NPM using Homebrew, along with instructions for keeping their installations up to date.

How to Install Node Using NVM – Node Version Manager?

Installing Node.js using NVM (Node Version Manager) is a great choice, especially if you need to manage multiple versions of Node.js. NVM allows you to install and switch between different Node versions with ease. Here’s how to do it:

For Linux and macOS:

Install NVM:

Open your terminal.

To install NVM, run the following curl or wget command:

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

or

wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | bash

The script clones the NVM repository to ~/.nvm and adds the source line to your profile (~/.bash_profile, ~/.zshrc, ~/.profile, or ~/.bashrc).

Activate NVM:

To activate NVM, either close and reopen your terminal or run the following command:source ~/.bashrc

Alternatively, for zsh users: source ~/.zshrc.

Check if NVM Was Installed Successfully:

Run nvm –version to check if NVM was installed successfully.

Install Node.js:

Now, you can install Node.js. To install the latest version, run:

nvm install node

To install a specific version, use:

nvm install 14.17.3

(Replace 14.17.3 with your desired version.)

Switch Between Node Versions:

You can switch between installed versions using:

nvm use 14.17.3

Set a default Node version with:

nvm alias default 14.17.3

Verify Installation:

Check the Node version using node -v.

Check the NPM version using npm -v.

For Windows:

NVM for Windows is a separate project from NVM. To install:

Download NVM for Windows:

• Go to the NVM for Windows repository on GitHub (github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows).
• Download the latest installer (nvm-setup.zip).

Run the Installer:

• Extract and run the nvm-setup.exe file.
• Follow the setup wizard to install NVM for Windows.

Install and Use Node:

• Once installed, open the command prompt and use NVM commands similar to Linux/macOS to install and use different Node.js versions.
• By using NVM, you gain the flexibility to manage multiple Node.js versions for different projects, making it an ideal tool for any JavaScript developer’s toolkit.

Key Pointers to Consider:

• Compatibility with Existing Projects: Ensure the Node version you select is compatible with the libraries and frameworks you’re using in your projects.
• Environment Consistency: For teams, maintain consistency in Node versions across development, testing, and production environments to avoid version-related issues.
• Access to Latest Features vs. Stability: Balance the need for new features available in the latest Node releases against the stability and support offered by LTS (Long Term Support) versions.
• Community and Ecosystem Support: Consider the level of community and technical support available for the Node version you choose, including documentation, forums, and third-party tools compatibility.

Conclusion

Installing Node.js with NPM on Windows and Mac is a simple operation that unlocks a world of possibilities in modern web development. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just getting started, the procedures detailed in this tutorial give a clear route to efficiently setting up your work environment.

Remember that selecting the proper Node.js version is critical, balancing the latest features with the reliability of LTS versions. After successfully installing Node.js with NPM, you are now ready to build scalable and high-performance apps, manage package dependencies, and contribute to a wide ecosystem of open-source libraries. Accept the adventure that awaits you in the dynamic and thrilling world of JavaScript development!