Node JS Installation

Summary

In this concise tutorial, the speaker walks viewers through the process of installing and setting up Node.js on their system. The video covers downloading Node.js from its official website, understanding the difference between the LTS (Long Term Support) and current versions, and verifying the installation through terminal commands. The tutorial also introduces npm (Node Package Manager) for managing packages. It emphasizes the importance of choosing the LTS version for stability and production use. The video concludes with a demonstration of how to check the installed version and ensures viewers are ready to begin using Node.js effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Visit the official Node.js website (nodejs.org) to download the installer.
• 😀 Choose the **LTS** (Long-Term Support) version for stability and production environments.
• 😀 The **Current** version includes the latest features but may not be stable for production use.
• 😀 After downloading, run the setup file and follow the installation prompts (Next, Next, Accept).
• 😀 Verify the Node.js installation by typing `node -v` in the terminal to check the installed version.
• 😀 Use the **npm** (Node Package Manager) to manage packages and dependencies for your Node.js projects.
• 😀 Check the installed npm version by typing `npm -v` in the terminal.
• 😀 Always download the **LTS** version for most stable and reliable use in production environments.
• 😀 You can use **npm** to install, update, and uninstall packages in your Node.js projects.
• 😀 The video provides clear, step-by-step instructions to install Node.js and verify the installation process.

Q & A

What is Node.js and why is it important?

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 engine. It allows developers to use JavaScript to build server-side applications. It's important because it enables efficient handling of asynchronous operations and is widely used for building scalable, fast applications.

What does LTS stand for in the context of Node.js?

LTS stands for Long Term Support. It refers to stable versions of Node.js that receive support for an extended period. These versions are recommended for most users as they are tested and reliable.

What is the difference between LTS and Current versions of Node.js?

The LTS version is the stable version recommended for production environments, while the Current version is the latest release that includes new features but might not be as stable as the LTS version.

Why should you avoid using the Current version of Node.js in production?

The Current version is a preview of new features and might not be stable enough for production use. It's better to use the LTS version in production to ensure reliability and stability.

How do you verify if Node.js is installed correctly on your machine?

To verify Node.js installation, open the terminal and type the command `node -v`. If Node.js is installed correctly, it will display the version number.

What is npm and why is it important for Node.js?

npm stands for Node Package Manager. It's a tool that comes with Node.js to manage packages (libraries and tools) required for a project. It allows you to install, update, and manage these packages easily.

How can you check the version of npm installed on your system?

You can check the version of npm installed by running the command `npm -v` in the terminal. This will return the current version of npm on your system.

What does the `npm install` command do in Node.js?

The `npm install` command is used to install the dependencies (packages) defined in a project's `package.json` file. It fetches and installs the required packages from the npm registry.

What is the purpose of running `node` commands in the terminal?

Running `node` commands in the terminal allows you to execute JavaScript files or commands directly in the Node.js environment. For example, `node app.js` runs the `app.js` file using Node.js.

What is the significance of version numbers like 16.14 or 18 in Node.js?

The version numbers in Node.js represent specific releases. Even-numbered versions like 16.14 or 18 are stable LTS releases, which are recommended for production, while odd-numbered versions (e.g., 17) are for testing new features.