A Quick Guide to Setting Up Node.js 20 on Ubuntu

By XaHertz  |  September 21, 2024  |  Last Updated : September 21, 2024

Node.js is a powerful JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 engine, widely used for building scalable network applications. This article will walk you through the steps to install Node.js 20 on an Ubuntu-based system, ensuring you have the necessary tools to start developing with Node.js.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the installation, ensure you have:

  • An Ubuntu-based system (version 20.04 or later recommended)
  • Sudo privileges for installing packages

Installation Steps

Step 1: Update System Packages

It's essential to start by updating your system packages to ensure all software is up-to-date. Open your terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Curl and Git

Curl and Git are necessary for downloading and managing the Node.js setup script. Install them using the command:

sudo apt install -y curl git

Step 3: Download Node.js Setup Script

Next, download the Node.js 20 setup script from Nodesource. This script configures the necessary repository for Node.js 20 installation.

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x -o nodesource_setup.sh

Step 4: Run the Node.js Setup Script

Execute the downloaded setup script to configure the repository:

sudo -E bash nodesource_setup.sh

Step 5: Install Node.js

Now, install Node.js using the apt package manager:

sudo apt install -y nodejs

Step 6: Verify Node.js Installation

Finally, confirm that Node.js is installed correctly by checking its version:

node -v

You should see the Node.js version number printed in the terminal, indicating a successful installation.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If you encounter issues with downloading the setup script, ensure that your internet connection is stable.
  • For permission-related errors, double-check that you have sudo privileges.
  • If Node.js installation fails, try running sudo apt update again and repeat the steps.

Conclusion

Setting up Node.js 20 on Ubuntu is straightforward with the steps outlined above. By following the steps in this article, you now have a robust environment for developing and running Node.js applications.


Last updated on September 21, 2024