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Asked: 2024-09-26T02:20:47+05:30 In:

What are the steps to install npm on an Ubuntu system?

So, I’ve been diving into some JavaScript projects lately, and I keep hearing about npm being the go-to package manager, especially for things like managing libraries and dependencies. But here’s the thing – I’m running an Ubuntu system, and I’m a bit lost on how to get npm up and running.

I’ve read a few articles, and they mention different methods to install it, but honestly, I just want a clear, step-by-step guide on what I actually need to do. It seems like some people just run a command or two, while others suggest installing Node.js first. I’m not sure if I need to do that as a prerequisite or if npm can be installed on its own.

Also, I’ve seen hints about using the package manager that comes with Ubuntu, like apt, to install it directly. Is that the best way, or do I need to go through some other steps? Would that even get me the latest version of npm, or might I end up stuck with an outdated one? I’ve had bad experiences with outdated packages in the past, and that’s definitely something I want to avoid.

Another thing I’m curious about is whether I need to do anything special for permissions while installing it. I remember facing some permission issues when trying to install packages globally before, and I’d rather not run into that again.

If you’ve recently installed npm on your Ubuntu system, I’d really appreciate if you could share the actual commands you used and any other shortcuts or tips you might have picked up along the way. Maybe there are common pitfalls I should watch out for?

Thanks a ton in advance! I’m really looking forward to getting into npm so I can manage my projects more efficiently, and any help would be super appreciated.

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    2 Answers



    1. Installing npm on Ubuntu

      How to Install npm on Ubuntu

      Getting started with npm on your Ubuntu system is pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to help you get it set up in no time!

      Step 1: Install Node.js

      Since npm comes bundled with Node.js, you first need to install Node.js. The easiest way to install Node.js and npm is through the package manager.

      Step 2: Use the Ubuntu package manager

      Open your terminal and type the following commands:

      sudo apt update
sudo apt install nodejs npm

      This will install Node.js and npm together. However, to check if you have the latest version of Node.js, you might want to consider using Node Version Manager (nvm) instead, as the repositories might not have the very latest version.

      Step 3: Using Node Version Manager (nvm) – Optional

      If you want more control over Node.js versions, you can install nvm. Here’s how:

      curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.3/install.sh | bash
source ~/.bashrc
nvm install node

      This will install the latest version of Node.js, which includes npm. You can also use nvm install to install a specific version.

      Step 4: Check your installation

      After installation, you can check if everything is working by running:

      node -v
npm -v

      This will show you the installed versions of Node.js and npm.

      Permissions Issues

      If you’re planning to install npm packages globally, you might run into permission issues. A common solution is to use the following to avoid using sudo:

      mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'

      You can add this directory to your PATH by adding the following line to your ~/.profile file:

      export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH

      Then run source ~/.profile to refresh it.

      Common Pitfalls

      Be mindful! Here are a couple of things to avoid:

      • Don’t forget to check your Node.js version if you need a specific feature.
      • If you go the apt route, be aware you might be getting an outdated version of npm.

      Hope this helps you get started with npm!



    2. To install npm on your Ubuntu system, the recommended approach is to first install Node.js, as npm comes bundled with it. While you can technically install npm separately, it’s more common and easier to manage it alongside Node.js. To get started, you can open your terminal and run the following commands to install Node.js using the official NodeSource repository, which ensures you get the latest version:

      curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

      After that, you can verify the installation of both Node.js and npm by checking their versions with:

      node -v
npm -v

      In terms of permissions, it’s advisable to avoid using npm with sudo for install operations to prevent any potential permission issues later. If you do need to install packages globally and encounter permissions problems, consider fixing your npm permissions following the official npm documentation or using a node version manager like `nvm`, which gives you more flexibility and control.


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