Installing Node.js and npm

npm comes bundled with Node.js. Install Node.js, get npm free.

Method 1: Direct Download (Easiest)

1. Go to [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) 2. Download LTS version (recommended) 3. Run installer 4. Done!

Verify installation: ```bash node --version # v20.10.0

npm --version # 10.2.3 ```

Method 2: Using nvm (Recommended)

nvm (Node Version Manager) lets you install multiple Node.js versions.

**Install nvm (Mac/Linux):** ```bash curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash ```

**Install nvm (Windows):** Download nvm-windows from GitHub releases.

**Using nvm:** ```bash # Install latest LTS nvm install --lts

Install specific version nvm install 18.17.0

List installed versions nvm ls

Switch version nvm use 18.17.0

Set default nvm alias default 18.17.0 ```

LTS vs Current

| Version | Use Case | |---------|----------| | LTS (Long Term Support) | Production, stability | | Current | Latest features, testing |

**Recommendation:** Use LTS for real projects.

Verify Everything Works

```bash # Check Node.js node --version

Check npm npm --version

Run a quick test node -e "console.log('Node.js is working!')" ```

Common Issues

**Permission errors on npm (Mac/Linux):** ```bash # Fix: Use nvm or change npm default directory mkdir ~/.npm-global npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global' # Add to .bashrc: export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH ```

**Multiple versions conflict:** ```bash # Use nvm to manage versions nvm use 18 # Now using Node.js v18 ```

Key Takeaway

Use nvm to install Node.js - it makes version management painless. Download LTS for stability, Current for experimenting. Once installed, you're ready to build!