Installation of Node.js on Linux

Last Updated : 31 Mar, 2026

Node.js can be installed on Linux using package managers or official repositories. It enables server-side JavaScript execution along with npm for package management.

  • Install via APT, NodeSource, or NVM.
  • Includes npm(Node Package Manager) for managing dependencies.
  • Used for building backend and real-time applications.

Prerequisites

Ensure your system is ready before installing Node.js on Linux.

  • Linux System: Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Fedora, or any major distribution.
  • Command Line Access: Terminal with root or sudo privileges.
  • Updated System: Package lists should be up-to-date.
  • Internet Connection: Required to download Node.js and npm packages.

1. Use Package Manager

The easiest way to install Node.js on Linux is through the default package manager.

Steps to Install Node.js on Ubuntu/Debian

Follow these steps to install Node.js and npm using the apt package manager.

Step 1: Update your system

sudo apt update
sudo-update
sudo apt update

Step 2: Upgrade the system

sudo apt upgrade
sudo-upgrade
sudo apt upgrade

Step 3: Install Node.js

sudo apt install nodejs
install-node
sudo apt install nodejs

Step 4: Install npm

sudo apt install npm
install-npm
sudp apt install npm

Step 5: Verify the Installation

To confirm that Node.js and npm are installed correctly, you can check their versions using:

node -v
npm -v
npm-version
verify the installations

Steps to Install Node.js on CentOS/RHEL

Follow these steps to install Node.js on CentOS/RHEL.

Step 1: Update system

sudo yum update

Step 2: Install Node.js

You can install Node.js by adding the NodeSource repository:

curl -sL https://rpm.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo yum install -y nodejs

Step 3: Verify the Installation

Open Terminal to check the installed versions by running these commands: 

node -v
npm -v
npm-version
verify the installation

2. Using Node Version Manager

NVM allows installation and management of multiple Node.js versions.

Step 1: Install and Activate NVM

First, download and install NVM using the following script:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh | bash
bash3
nvm

Once installed, you need to add NVM to your shell configuration. You can do this by running the following command:

source ~/.bashrc
bash4
bash

Step 2: Install Node.js (LTS Version)

To install the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version of Node.js, run:

nvm install --lts

Switch Versions:

nvm ls
nvm use <version>

Step 3: Verify the Installation

node -v
npm -v
npm-version
verify the installations

3. Install using NodeSource Repository

Provides the latest Node.js versions.

Step 1: Add NodeSource Repository

sudo su
curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -

Step 2: Install Node.js

sudo apt install -y nodejs

Step 3: Verify Installation

node -v
npm -v

4. Install using Snap

Useful for containerized installations.

Step 1: Install Node.js

sudo snap install node --classic

Step 2: Verify Installation

After installation, check the Node.js version:

node -v
npm-version
verify the installations
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