How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows

Node.js enables the execution of JavaScript code outside of a web browser, serving as a runtime environment. It’s built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript framework, and it’s designed to be efficient and lightweight. With Node.js, you can use JavaScript to build server-side applications, command-line tools, and even desktop applications.

NPM, or Node Package Manager, is a package manager for Node.js. It’s a tool that helps you manage dependencies in your Node.js projects. With NPM, you can easily install and manage packages (which are basically libraries or modules of reusable code) from a central registry. These packages can be anything from frameworks and libraries to tools and utilities.

Node.js provides the runtime environment for executing JavaScript code, while NPM provides a way to manage packages and dependencies within Node.js projects. Moreover, they support each other in the sense that Node.js allows you to run JavaScript code, and NPM helps you manage the code and libraries that your Node.js projects rely on.

This is why installing both Node.js and NPM on Windows is necessary to effectively develop and manage JavaScript applications.

How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows

Follow the below steps to Install Node.js and NPM on windows.

Step 1: Download Node.js Installer

To download the Node.js installer, you need to visit its official website. The website should automatically detect your operating system and display the recommended installer for Windows. If not, you can manually select the Windows installer. After that, click on the “Windows Installer” button to download the installer file (.msi).

The .msi extension is used by Node.js for its installer files on Windows. It’s a standardized format that packages all necessary components and instructions for installation. Using .msi ensures compatibility with Windows Installer service, simplifying the installation process for users and enhancing the overall user experience.

Step 2: Run Node.js Installer

Once the installer file (.msi) is downloaded, you can usually find it in your downloads folder or wherever your browser saves downloaded files. Double-click on the installer file to execute Node.js setup file and initiate the installation process. The Node.js Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation process with a series of steps.

Next, you’ll be presented with the license agreement. Take a moment to read through it, then check the box indicating that you accept the terms of the agreement. Click “Next” to proceed.

The wizard will ask you to choose the destination folder where Node.js will be installed.

By default, it’s installed in the “Program Files” directory, which is usually fine for most users. If you have a specific location in mind, you can click “Browse” to choose a different folder. After that you need to click on the “Next” button once you’ve made your selection.

This steps provide you with some features which you can modify depending on your requirement as listed below:

1. Node.js Runtime: Environment to run JavaScript code outside browsers.
2. Corepack Manager: Manages essential Node.js modules.
3. npm Package Manager: Manages dependencies in Node.js projects.
4. Add to Path: Adds Node.js and npm executables to system’s PATH for global access.

Make sure that “Node.js runtime” is selected, as this is the core component required to run JavaScript code. Additionally, you can choose to install the npm package manager by checking the “npm package manager” checkbox.

Step 3: Install Node.js 

Finally, you’ll reach the installation summary screen. Review your choices to ensure they’re correct, then click “Install” to begin the installation process.

The installer will now begin copying files and configuring your system. This process may take a few minutes to complete, depending on your system’s speed.

Once the installation is finished, you’ll see a “Completed” message indicating that Node.js has been successfully installed on your system. Click “Finish” to exit the installer.

Verifying Node.js and NPM Installation on Windows

To verify the successful installation of both Node.js and NPM, you can execute the below commands:

npm -v
node -v

When you run node -v in the command prompt or PowerShell, it will display the version number of Node.js currently installed. Similarly, npm -v will display the version number of npm currently installed.

Conclusion

Node.js and NPM both are great tools for JavaScript developers, enabling them to build diverse applications efficiently. Node.js provides the runtime environment for executing JavaScript code beyond the confines of web browsers, while NPM simplifies package management, streamlining dependency handling within Node.js projects. 

Moreover, it is essential to install Node.js and NPM on Windows to harness their combined power. By following the outlined steps, users can seamlessly install Node.js and NPM, ensuring a smooth development experience. Both of these tools empower developers to create server-side applications, command-line tools, and even desktop applications with the ease and flexibility that JavaScript offers.

FAQ