How to install Node.js on Ubuntu 22.04

Node.js is a powerful, open-source JavaScript runtime built on Chrome’s V8 engine, allowing developers to create scalable and high-performance applications. It is widely used in web development for tasks such as server-side scripting and real-time data handling.

This guide will help you install Node.js on Ubuntu 22.04 using multiple methods. If you’re looking for a quick and easy setup, explore the Node.js app available on our marketplace.

Prerequisites

Ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Ubuntu 22.04 or a compatible version.
• A user account with sudo privileges.
• Internet access.

Update your system to ensure the latest packages are installed:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Installing Node.js

Method 1: Using Ubuntu’s default repositories

This is the simplest method, suitable for basic installations.

Step 1: Install Node.js

sudo apt install -y nodejs
sudo apt install -y npm

Step 2: Verify the installation

node -v
npm -v

This method may not install the latest version but ensures compatibility and stability.

Method 2: Using the NodeSource PPA

NodeSource maintains PPAs with various Node.js versions, allowing more flexibility in selecting a specific version.

Step 1: Add the NodeSource PPA

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash -

Replace 18.x with the desired version, such as 20.x for a newer release.

Step 2: Install Node.js and npm

sudo apt install -y nodejs

Step 3: Verify the installation

node -v
npm -v

Method 3: Using Node Version Manager (NVM)

NVM is ideal for developers managing multiple Node.js versions.

Step 1: Install NVM

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.3/install.sh | bash
source ~/.bashrc

Step 2: Install Node.js

nvm install --lts

Step 3: Verify the installation

node -v
npm -v

Step 4: Manage versions

• List installed versions: nvm ls
• Switch versions: nvm use <version>
• Set a default version: nvm alias default <version>

Deploying a Node.js application

After installation, test your Node.js environment by deploying a sample application.

Step 1: Create a project directory

mkdir my-node-app && cd my-node-app

Step 2: Initialize the project

npm init -y

Step 3: Create an application file

nano index.js

Add the following code:

const http = require('http');
const hostname = '127.0.0.1';
const port = 3000;

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
    res.statusCode = 200;
    res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
    res.end('Hello, Node.js!');
});

server.listen(port, hostname, () => {
    console.log(`Server running at http://${hostname}:${port}/`);
});

Step 4: Run the application

node index.js

Step 5: Access the app at http://127.0.0.1:3000/ in your browser.