Installing Node.js and NPM correctly is essential for developers setting up a modern JavaScript development environment. Node.js enables server-side execution of JavaScript, while NPM manages dependencies across thousands of packages. This guide provides a clear, step‑by‑step outline of installation on both Windows and Mac, using official installers, package managers, and version tools like NVM.
Five Key Points to Know
1. Download the Official Installer
For both Windows and macOS, head to the official [Node.js website] to download the LTS (Long‑Term Support) version. This version includes NPM and is recommended for production environments.
2. Install on Windows
Run the downloaded .msi installer. Accept the license agreement, choose default settings (including “Add to PATH”), and install both Node.js and NPM simultaneously. After installation, confirm by running node -v and npm -v in Command Prompt or PowerShell.
3. Install on macOS via Official Installer
Open the downloaded .pkg installer, follow the prompts, agree to the license, and complete the installation. Verify successful setup by executing node -v and npm -v in Terminal.
4. Use Homebrew on macOS for Easier Upgrades
If Homebrew is installed, you can install Node.js (which includes NPM) via Terminal using:
brew install node
To update later, run brew update and brew upgrade node. Confirm versions with node -v and npm -v.
5. Use Version Managers for Flexibility
To manage multiple Node.js versions easily, use:
- nvm on macOS/Linux
- nvm‑windows or alternatives (like Volta or nodist) on Windows
These tools let you switch between different Node.js versions while keeping NPM aligned, avoiding global permission issues.
When to Choose Each Method
Use the official installer (.msi for Windows, .pkg for Mac) if you need:
- A quick, one-time setup
- Basic usage with the LTS version
- A development environment that doesn’t require multiple Node.js versions
Opt for Homebrew on macOS if you want:
- Easy updates and package management
- System integration with other development tools
Use nvm or nvm‑windows when you need:
- To work on projects requiring multiple Node.js versions
- Isolated environments per project
- Avoiding permission errors when using global node packages
Conclusion
Installing Node.js and NPM is straightforward on both Windows and Mac. Choose the official LTS installer for simplicity, use Homebrew for macOS package management, and employ version managers like NVM for flexibility and multi-version support. With this setup properly configured, you’re ready to build scalable JavaScript applications and manage dependencies seamlessly.
