Installing Node.js on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Node.js is a popular JavaScript runtime that lets you run JavaScript code outside of a browser, commonly used for server-side development. Here’s how to install it on Windows:

Node.js is a powerful runtime environment for executing JavaScript on the server-side. Here’s a detailed guide to installing and using Node.js on Windows.

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Why Use Node.js?

• Enables server-side scripting in JavaScript.
• Non-blocking I/O for building scalable and efficient applications.
• Extensive library ecosystem via npm (Node Package Manager).

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1. Download Node.js Installer – Node.js on Windows 11 and Windows 10

1. Visit the official Node.js website.
2. You’ll see two versions available for download:
   • LTS (Long Term Support): Recommended for most users, especially for production use.
   • Current: Includes the latest features but may not be as stable.
3. Click the appropriate version for your system. The website automatically detects whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit.

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2. Run the Installer on Windows 11 and Windows 10

1. Locate the downloaded file (e.g., node-vXX.X.X-x64.msi) and Node.js on Windowsdouble-click it to launch the installer.
2. Follow the setup wizard:
   • Click Next to proceed with the installation.
   • Read and accept the License Agreement, then click Next.
   • Choose an installation folder or use the default path (recommended).

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3. Choose Components

• The installer will let you choose components to install:
  • Node.js runtime: The core runtime for running JavaScript.
  • npm package manager: Installed by default with Node.js.
  • Add to PATH: Ensures that Node.js and npm can be used from the command line (this is usually selected by default).
  • Optionally, select tools for native modules.

Click Next after confirming your choices.

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4. Install Additional Tools (Optional) Node.js on Windows

• During installation, the wizard may prompt you to install additional tools for native modules (e.g., Python and Visual Studio Build Tools).
• Check the box if you plan to work with Node.js modules requiring compilation, then click Next.

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5. Complete the Installation

• Click Install to begin the installation process.
• After the installation is complete, click Finish to close the setup wizard.

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6. Verify Installation

1. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell.
2. Type the following commands to check if Node.js and npm were installed successfully:
   • Check Node.js version: node -v This should display the installed version of Node.js.
   • Check npm version: npm -v This should display the installed version of npm.

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7. Update npm (Optional) Node.js on Windows

To ensure you have the latest version of npm:

npm install -g npm

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8. Test Your Installation

1. Create a simple Node.js app:
   • Create a new file called app.js with the following content: console.log("Hello, Node.js!");
   • Save the file.
2. Run the app:
   • Open the Command Prompt.
   • Navigate to the folder where app.js is saved.
   • Run the file using: node app.js
   • If installed correctly, you’ll see Hello, Node.js! printed in the console.

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9. Install Node.js Packages /Node.js on Windows 11

• Use npm to install packages globally or locally:
  • Example of installing a package globally: npm install -g nodemon
  • Example of installing a package locally: npm install express

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10. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues:

1. Ensure Node.js is added to your PATH:
   • Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings > Environment Variables.
   • Look for PATH under System Variables and ensure it includes the path to Node.js (e.g., C:\Program Files\nodejs).
2. Restart your terminal to apply changes.

Using Node.js on Windows

1. Writing Your First Node.js Program

1. Open a text editor and create a file named app.js.
2. Add the following code:javascriptCopy codeconsole.log("Hello, Node.js!");
3. Save the file in a folder, e.g., C:\NodeProjects.

2. Run the Program

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Navigate to the folder where app.js is saved:bashCopy codecd C:\NodeProjects
3. Run the program:bashCopy codenode app.js Output: Hello, Node.js!

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Installing Node.js Packages

• npm allows you to install packages for Node.js applications.

Global Installation

Global packages can be used across projects.

bashCopy codenpm install -g nodemon

Local Installation

Install packages in the current project directory.

bashCopy codenpm install express

List Installed Packages

• Local packages:bashCopy codenpm list
• Global packages:bashCopy codenpm list -g --depth=0

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Updating Node.js and npm

• Update npm:bashCopy codenpm install -g npm
• Update Node.js:
  • Download the latest version from the Node.js website and reinstall it.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. PATH Issues

If node or npm commands aren’t recognized:

1. Check if Node.js is in your PATH.
   • Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings > Environment Variables.
   • Look for PATH and ensure it includes the directory of Node.js (e.g., C:\Program Files\nodejs).
2. Restart your terminal after making changes.

2. Permissions Errors

Run the terminal as an administrator when installing global npm packages.

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Next Steps

1. Explore Node.js frameworks like:
   • Express.js: For building web applications.
   • Socket.io: For real-time communication.
2. Learn asynchronous programming with Promises and async/await.
3. Build a RESTful API.

How to Download Node JS for Windows 11 and Window 10

Node js download for windows 11

Node js download for windows 10

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Nest JS and PgSQL Database connectivity

Now you’re ready to start developing with Node.js on your Windows machine! Let me know if you need help with anything else.