Installing Node.js

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that lets you run JavaScript outside of a web browser.

What is Node.js?

In This Course:

What is npm?

npm = Node Package Manager

When you install Node.js, you also get npm — a tool for installing pre-built code packages.

Example Commands:

npm install prettier    # Installs Prettier code formatter
npm install tailwindcss # Installs Tailwind CSS framework
npm install react       # Installs React library

You'll use npm throughout your development career!

Installation Instructions

Choose your operating system:

# Windows Installation
 
## Step 1: Download
1. Open your browser
2. Go to: nodejs.org
3. You'll see two download options:
   - LTS (Long Term Support) ← Choose this!
   - Current (newer but less stable)
4. Click the LTS button (green)
5. The .msi installer will download
 
## Step 2: Run Installer
1. Find the downloaded file (e.g., node-v20.10.0-x64.msi)
2. Double-click to run
3. Click Next through the wizard
4. Accept the license agreement
5. Keep default installation path
6. Keep default features selected
7. IMPORTANT: Check "Automatically install necessary tools" if prompted
8. Click Install
9. Click Finish
 
## Step 3: Restart VS Code
If VS Code is open, close and reopen it.
This ensures VS Code recognizes the new installation.

Verification

After installation, let's verify everything works.

Open Terminal in VS Code:

1. Open VS Code
2. Open Terminal: View → Terminal or press Ctrl/Cmd + `

Check Node.js Version:

node --version

Expected output (version numbers may vary):

If you see a version number starting with v, Node.js is installed!

Check npm Version:

npm --version

Expected output:

If you see a version number, npm is installed!

Troubleshooting

Test npm

Let's verify npm works by checking what it can do:

npm help

You should see a list of available npm commands.

Check Where Things Are Installed:

npm root -g

This shows where global packages are installed.

Version Reference

At time of writing, recommended versions:

Don't worry if your versions are slightly different — as long as the commands work, you're good!

Installation Checklist

What You Can Do Now

With Node.js installed, you can:

1. Run JavaScript files directly:

node myfile.js

2. Install packages globally:

npm install -g package-name

3. Create projects with package management:

npm init
npm install some-package

4. Use modern development tools that require Node.js

Lesson Summary

What You Accomplished:

• ✅ Understand what Node.js is (JavaScript runtime)
• ✅ Understand what npm is (package manager)
• ✅ Installed Node.js on your computer
• ✅ Verified installation with version checks

Knowledge Check

Next Up

Let's install Git — the version control system for tracking and saving your code changes!