Getting Started with Node.js: Installation and Your First Program

Node.js has become a powerhouse in web development, allowing developers to use JavaScript for server-side scripting. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of installing Node.js and creating your first program. Let’s embark on this exciting journey!

Installing Node.js:

Step 1: Update Package List

Before installing Node.js, it’s a good practice to update your package list:

sudo apt-get update

Step 2: Install Node.js

Now, install Node.js using the package manager:

sudo apt-get install nodejs

Step 3: Install npm (Node Package Manager)

npm is the package manager for Node.js. Install it with:

sudo apt-get install npm

To verify successful installation, check the versions:

node -v npm -v

Your First Node.js Program:

Now that Node.js is installed, let’s create a simple “Hello, Node.js!” program.

Step 1: Create a Project Folder

Navigate to your desired directory and create a new folder for your project:

mkdir myNodeProject cd myNodeProject

Step 2: Create a JavaScript File

Using your favorite text editor (like VSCode, Sublime Text, or Nano), create a file named app.js:

// app.js console.log("Hello, Node.js!");

Step 3: Run Your Program

Execute your Node.js program:

node app.js

You should see the output:

Hello, Node.js!

Congratulations! You’ve just run your first Node.js program.

Conclusion:

Node.js opens up a world of possibilities for server-side JavaScript development. With a straightforward installation process and a simple “Hello, Node.js!” program, you’ve taken your first steps into this exciting ecosystem. You can explore frameworks like Express.js, interact with databases, and build scalable web applications.

Happy coding!