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Installing Node.js on ZorinOS

This is our tutoiral guide on installing Node.js on ZorinOS, a Linux distribution designed for Windows users who are looking for a Linux alternative that is both familiar and powerful. Node.js is a runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript on the server side, enabling you to build scalable network applications. It's a crucial tool for modern web development, and ZorinOS, with its Ubuntu-based foundation, provides an excellent environment for Node.js development.

In this tutorial, we'll walk through the process of installing Node.js on ZorinOS step by step. We'll explore different methods, including using the official NodeSource repository, Node Version Manager (NVM), and the default repositories provided by ZorinOS. By the end of this guide, you'll have Node.js up and running, ready for your next project.

Prerequisites​

Before we begin, ensure that you have the following:.

  • ZorinOS installed on your system. This guide is written for ZorinOS 16, but the steps should be similar for other recent versions.
  • Access to a user account with sudo privileges. This is necessary to install software and make system-wide changes.
  • A basic understanding of the terminal and command-line operations. If you're new to the terminal, don't worry—we'll provide clear instructions.

Updating the System​

It's always a good idea to start with an updated system. Open a terminal window and execute the following commands to update your package list and upgrade existing packages:. 

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This ensures that you have the latest package information and software updates, which can help prevent conflicts during the installation process.

Installation Methods​

Using NodeSource Repository​

NodeSource provides a repository containing the latest versions of Node.js. To install Node.js from NodeSource, follow these steps:.

  1. Visit the NodeSource downloads page to find the installation script for the desired version of Node.js.

  2. Run the installation script with curl to add the NodeSource repository to your system's software sources. For example, to install Node.js 16.x, you would use:. 

curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo -E bash -
  1. After the repository is added, install Node.js and the Node Package Manager (npm) with:. 
sudo apt install nodejs
  1. Verify the installation by checking the versions of Node.js and npm:. 
node --version
npm --version

You should see output similar to:. 

v16.13.0
6.14.8

Using NVM (Node Version Manager)​

NVM is a tool that allows you to install and manage multiple versions of Node.js. It's particularly useful if you work on projects that require different Node.js versions.

  1. First, install NVM by running:. 
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | bash

  1. Close and reopen your terminal, or source your profile with source ~/.profile (or source ~/.bashrc depending on your configuration).

  2. Verify that NVM is installed correctly:. 

nvm --version
  1. Install the version of Node.js you want to use:. 
nvm install 16.13.0
  1. Set the installed version as the default Node.js version:. 
nvm alias default 16.13.0
  1. Verify the installation:. 
node --version
npm --version

Using the Official OS Repositories​

ZorinOS, being based on Ubuntu, allows you to install Node.js directly from the official repositories. However, these versions might not be the latest.

  1. Install Node.js and npm with the following command:. 
sudo apt install nodejs npm
  1. Verify the installation as shown previously.

Using Snap Packages​

Snap is a package management system developed by Canonical for operating systems that use the Linux kernel.

  1. Install Node.js via Snap by running:. 
sudo snap install node --classic --channel 16/stable
  1. Verify the installation:. 
node --version
npm --version

Managing Node.js Versions with NVM​

If you've chosen to use NVM, managing Node.js versions is straightforward:.

  • To list installed versions:. 
nvm ls
  • To switch to a different version:. 
nvm use 14.17.0
  • To see what versions are available to install:. 
nvm ls-remote

Configuring npm​

npm is a powerful package manager for JavaScript. You can configure npm to suit your needs, such as changing the default registry or handling permissions for global package installations.

  • To set the default registry:. 
npm config set registry https://registry.npmjs.org/
  • To configure npm to install packages without requiring sudo (not recommended for security reasons):. 
sudo chown -R $(whoami) $(npm config get prefix)/{lib/node_modules,bin,share}

Installing Global Packages​

To install a package globally with npm, use the -g flag:. 

npm install -g package-name

This is useful for command-line tools that you want to access from any location in your system.

Setting Up a Node.js Project​

To set up a new Node.js project, follow these steps:.

  1. Create a new directory for your project and navigate into it:. 
mkdir my-node-project
cd my-node-project
  1. Initialize a new Node.js project by running:. 
npm init -y

This creates a package.json file, which holds various metadata about your project.

  1. Add dependencies to your project:. 
npm install express

This will install the express package and add it to the dependencies section of your package.json file.

Security Considerations​

Security is paramount in software development. To help keep your Node.js projects secure:.

  • Regularly update Node.js and npm packages to the latest versions.
  • Use npm audit to find and fix security vulnerabilities in your project dependencies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

  • Permission issues: If you encounter permission errors while installing global packages, ensure you have the correct permissions or use sudo (with caution).
  • Outdated packages: If you're having issues with Node.js or npm, make sure your packages are up to date.
  • Path issues: If Node.js or npm is not found, ensure that the installation directories are in your system's PATH.

What we've covered​

We've covered several methods to install Node.js on ZorinOS, from using NodeSource repositories to NVM and the default OS repositories. You've learned how to verify the installation, manage versions with NVM, configure npm, set up a new Node.js project, and address common security and troubleshooting concerns.

With Node.js installed, you're now ready to dive into server-side JavaScript development. From building a web application, a REST API, or automating tasks with Node.js scripts, ZorinOS provides a robust platform for your development needs.

Further Reading​

Appendix: Uninstalling Node.js​

If you need to uninstall Node.js from your system, the process will depend on how you installed it:.

  • Using NodeSource or official repositories:. 
sudo apt remove nodejs npm
  • Using NVM:. 
nvm uninstall 16.13.0
  • Using Snap:. 
sudo snap remove node

Remember to remove any global npm packages you no longer need:. 

npm uninstall -g package-name

And to reset your npm configuration:. 

npm config edit

By keeping this guide handy and staying updated with the latest Node.js developments, you'll be well-equipped to manage Node.js on ZorinOS and tackle any challenges that come your way.