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Asked: 2024-09-24T22:19:01+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to upgrade Node.js to the Long Term Support version on Ubuntu 20.04?

I’ve been trying to wrap my head around upgrading Node.js on my Ubuntu 20.04 setup, and honestly, I’m a bit lost. I’ve heard about the Long Term Support (LTS) version being the best way to go for stability and support, but the actual steps to get there are giving me a headache.

So here’s where I stand: I currently have a pretty old version of Node.js installed, and I think I really need this upgrade. I want to make sure I do it the right way—don’t want to mess anything up or break my projects! I’ve seen some different methods online, but they all seem a bit vague or assume you already know what you’re doing.

I’ve checked out NodeSource and their instructions, which seem pretty straightforward, but I’m also wondering if there are any other ways to upgrade, like using nvm (Node Version Manager). I’ve heard that nvm is super handy for managing different versions, but I’m not sure if it would complicate things more than just sticking with a straightforward upgrade process.

If I do go the NodeSource route, what commands do I actually need to run? I could really use a step-by-step list so I don’t miss anything! And if I decide to use nvm instead, what do I need to do to install it first, and how does that upgrade process look?

Plus, I’ve got a couple of projects that rely on Node.js, so I’m concerned about any potential downtime. Should I back up my projects before upgrading? What’s the safest way to ensure everything goes smoothly without breaking my development environment?

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s faced this dilemma, so if you’ve upgraded Node.js on Ubuntu 20.04, what worked for you? Any tips or common pitfalls to watch out for? I’d appreciate any advice you have to help me tackle this upgrade smoothly!

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    2 Answers



    1. Upgrading Node.js on Ubuntu 20.04

      Upgrading Node.js on Ubuntu 20.04

      Upgrading Node.js can be a bit tricky, but no worries, I’ll help you get through it step by step!

      Option 1: Using NodeSource

      1. First, you need to remove the old version of Node.js:

        sudo apt remove nodejs
      2. Next, you should update your package list:

        sudo apt update
      3. Now, add the NodeSource repository for the LTS version. Run this command:

        curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
      4. After that, install Node.js using:

        sudo apt install nodejs
      5. Finally, you can check if everything went well by typing:

        node -v

        This will show you the installed version of Node.js.

      Option 2: Using nvm (Node Version Manager)

      Using nvm is a great choice, especially if you need to manage multiple versions of Node.js:

      1. Install nvm by running this command:

        curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | bash
      2. You might need to restart your terminal or run:

        source ~/.bashrc
      3. Now, you can install the LTS version of Node.js:

        nvm install --lts
      4. To use the installed version:

        nvm use --lts

        And you can check the version with:

        node -v

      Backing Up Your Projects

      It’s always a good practice to back up your projects before doing any upgrades. You can simply copy your project folders to a different location or use version control (like Git) to keep everything safe.

      Common Pitfalls

      Make sure you check that all your packages are compatible with the new version of Node.js. Sometimes, things can break if your packages don’t support the latest changes. You might also want to look at your package.json file and see if any dependencies need updating!

      Final Thoughts

      Both methods are solid, but if you’re looking to manage multiple versions easily, nvm might be the way to go. Just take it slow, and follow the steps, and you’ll be fine! Good luck, you got this!



    2. Upgrading Node.js on your Ubuntu 20.04 system can indeed feel daunting, especially if you’re concerned about stability and your current projects. The recommended way to upgrade is through NodeSource, which provides an easy way to install and manage Node.js versions. To upgrade, you can follow these step-by-step commands. First, add the NodeSource repository for the LTS version of Node.js (replace `` with the version you want, e.g., `16.x`):

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

      This will install the latest LTS version along with npm. Before starting the upgrade, it’s a good practice to back up your existing projects—simply copy your project directories to another location just in case. Make sure to run `node -v` after the installation to verify that the upgrade was successful. If you’ve encountered any issues with your existing Node version, consider the other options for managing your installations, like using nvm (Node Version Manager), which is particularly useful if you need to switch between different Node versions for various projects.

      To use nvm, you first need to install it with the following commands:

            curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | bash

      Afterwards, you can close and reopen your terminal, then run nvm install --lts to install the latest LTS version of Node.js. If you decide to manage your Node installations this way, it could simplify version management without disturbing your global environment. Regardless of the method you choose, take your time with the commands, and monitor your projects after the upgrade to catch any potential issues early. Common pitfalls include dependency compatibility with the new Node version, so it’s wise to also review your package.json for any necessary updates.


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