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Hiro Ventolero
Hiro Ventolero

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🚀 How to Install Node.js (or a Specific Version) on Windows, macOS, and Linux

#webdev #javascript #programming #node

If you’re diving into backend development or exploring frameworks like Express, Next.js, or NestJS, installing Node.js is your first step.

This guide covers how to install Node.js (and a specific version, if needed) on Windows, macOS, and Linux — including npm, nvm, and version management tips.

🧠 What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime built on Chrome’s V8 engine.
It lets you run JavaScript outside the browser — perfect for creating servers, APIs, CLI tools, and full-stack applications.

🧩 Step 1: Check if Node.js is Already Installed

Open your terminal (or PowerShell on Windows) and run:

node -v
npm -v
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If both return version numbers, you already have Node.js installed.
If not, let’s install it!

💻 Step 2: Install Node.js

🪟 For Windows Users

  1. Go to https://nodejs.org
  2. Download the LTS (Long-Term Support) version.
  3. Run the installer:
  • Accept the license
  • Choose the destination folder
  • ✅ Check “Add to PATH”
    1. Verify installation: 
   node -v
   npm -v
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🍎 For macOS Users

You can install Node.js either with Homebrew or the official installer.

Option 1: Install via Homebrew (Recommended) 

brew install node
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To install a specific version:

brew install node@18
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Then link it to make it the default version:

brew link --overwrite node@18
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Option 2: Install via Official Installer

  1. Visit https://nodejs.org
  2. Download the macOS Installer (LTS).
  3. Run the setup and finish installation.

Verify:

node -v
npm -v
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🐧 For Linux Users (Ubuntu/Debian)

Install Latest LTS 

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y curl
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
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Install a Specific Version (e.g., Node 18)

Replace 18.x with your desired version:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
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Verify installation:

node -v
npm -v
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⚙️ Step 3: Use nvm (Node Version Manager) for Flexibility

If you manage multiple Node projects, nvm (Node Version Manager) is the best way to switch between Node versions easily.

🧰 Install nvm (macOS/Linux) 

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/master/install.sh | bash
source ~/.bashrc
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🎯 Install a Specific Version 

nvm install 18
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To list all available versions:

nvm ls-remote
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Switch between versions anytime:

nvm use 18
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Set a default version:

nvm alias default 18
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🪟 For Windows Users

Install nvm for Windows from:
👉 https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows

Once installed:

nvm install 18.17.1
nvm use 18.17.1
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Check version:

node -v
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🧰 Step 4: Verify Installation and Run a Test App

Create a folder and initialize a project:

mkdir my-node-app
cd my-node-app
npm init -y
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Create a simple index.js:

console.log("Node.js is working!");
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Run it:

node index.js
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If you see:

Node.js is working!
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🎉 You’ve successfully installed Node.js!

⚡ Optional: Update npm to the Latest Version 

npm install -g npm@latest
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✅ Final Thoughts

You now have Node.js installed — and even better, you can manage multiple versions effortlessly with nvm.

This setup is essential if you:

  • Work on multiple Node projects
  • Use frameworks requiring specific Node versions
  • Contribute to open-source repositories with version requirements

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