Now that we understand what Node.js is and its purpose, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get our hands on the real deal. As Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment, installing it on your local machine is highly recommended.

System Requirements

Before diving in, let's quickly check the system requirements to ensure your computer is ready to handle Node.js:

• 🪟 Windows: Windows 7 or later;
• 🍏 macOS: macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later;
• 🐧 Linux: A modern Linux distribution with GLIBC version 2.17 or later, along with development tools (GCC, G++, etc.) for compiling native addons.

Note

Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) are often installed together, as npm comes bundled with Node.js.

Installing Node.js

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install Node.js on your machine:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Open the web browser and go to the official Node.js website at https://nodejs.org/.

Step 2: Download Node.js

Two main versions are available: LTS (Long-Term Support) and Current. We recommend installing the LTS version for most users, as it's stable and widely used.

1. Click on the "Downloads" tab on the Node.js website.
2. The website will automatically detect your operating system and recommend the appropriate LTS version. If not, select the LTS version from the options provided.
3. Click the "LTS" button to initiate the installer download for your operating system.

Step 3: Installation

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Node.js on your computer using the recommended LTS version. 🎉 In the next chapter, we'll dive into the fascinating Node.js ecosystem and learn how to create your first Node.js application.