How to Install Node.js on Ubuntu 20.04: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Node.js or npm on Ubuntu can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Node.js or npm on Ubuntu 20.04.

One of the easiest methods to install Node.js is by accessing the NodeSource repository, which includes version 10.19.0. This method ensures that you get the latest version of Node.js and its dependencies.

Alternatively, you can also use the standard Ubuntu repositories to install Node.js or npm. This method is a bit more involved but still relatively easy to follow.

Why Choose Node.js?

Node.js is an excellent choice for any developer, especially those who are new to full-stack development. With Node.js, you can start building and deploying your applications quickly and efficiently. It requires less context switching, making it ideal for frontend developers working with JavaScript.

Node.js is also highly optimized and performs Just in Time (JIT) compilation, which converts your JavaScript code into machine language quickly. Its V8 engine, borrowed from Google Chrome, makes it incredibly fast. Additionally, Node.js uses multiple threads to perform non-JavaScript low-level operations, providing an interface for low-level APIs.

Node.js offers several key features that make it a popular choice among developers:

* Non-Blocking Input/Output API: This feature allows your application to handle concurrent connections and high throughput.

* Event-Driven Architecture: Node.js uses an event-driven architecture, which enables it to efficiently handle multiple requests at the same time.

* Standard Library: Node.js comes with a standard library that includes JavaScript packages to help you optimize your application's throughput and scalability.

Using Node.js for Real-Time Web Applications

Node.js is particularly well-suited for creating real-time web applications such as video streaming sites, single-page applications, and other I/O-intensive web applications. Its ability to handle concurrent connections makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic websites.

In conclusion, installing Node.js or npm on Ubuntu 20.04 is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed using the NodeSource repository or standard Ubuntu repositories. With its powerful features and ease of use, Node.js is an excellent choice for any developer looking to create efficient and scalable web applications.

To install Node.js using the NodeSource repository, simply run the command `apt install nodejs` in your terminal. You can then verify that Node.js has been installed successfully by running the command `node -v`.

apt install nodejs

Apt install nodejs