How to Install Node.js on Linux: NVM, Package Managers, and NodeSource

Node.js is an open‑source, cross‑platform, lightweight JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 engine, used for creating scalable network applications. It includes the npm package manager, which hosts the world’s largest open‑source library ecosystem.

1. Install Node.js on Linux using NVM (recommended)

NVM (Node Version Manager) is a bash script that lets you install, uninstall, and switch between multiple Node.js versions.

Install NVM with the latest script:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.36.0/install.sh | bash

or

wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.36.0/install.sh | bash

The script clones the repository to ~/.nvm and adds source lines to your shell profile. Restart the terminal, then verify the installation: command -v nvm Output should be nvm.

List available Node.js versions: nvm ls-remote Install the latest version: nvm install node Install a specific version (e.g., v12.20.2): nvm install v12.20.2 Show installed versions: nvm list Check the default version: node --version Check npm version: npm -v Switch between installed versions: nvm use node Or run a specific version directly: nvm run node v12.20.2 Set a version as the default: nvm alias default v12.20.2 Uninstall a version (first ensure it is not the active one): nvm uninstall v12.20.2 If the version is active, deactivate NVM first: nvm deactivate Then uninstall:

nvm uninstall node