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Installing Node

Get Node 22 LTS Running in Two Minutes

Installing Node

Install Node via the official installer or a version manager. Verify with `node --version`.

3 min read Level 1/5 #nodejs#install#setup
What you'll learn
  • Install Node 22 LTS
  • Use a version manager (recommended)
  • Verify the install

You need Node installed before any of this works. Use a version manager — you’ll want to switch versions per-project eventually.

Option A — Version Manager (Recommended)

fnm (fast, modern, cross-platform)

# macOS / Linux
curl -fsSL https://fnm.vercel.app/install | bash

# then install Node 22
fnm install 22
fnm use 22
fnm default 22

nvm (older, very common)

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash
nvm install 22
nvm use 22

Both let you have multiple Node versions installed and switch with a single command — essential as you work across projects.

Option B — Direct Installer

Download from nodejs.org and run the installer. Pick the LTS version (currently 22.x). Fine for one-off learning; painful long-term.

Verify

node --version
# v22.x.x

npm --version
# 10.x.x

If both print versions, you’re set.

Which Version?

  • LTS (“Long Term Support”) — for production. Even-numbered majors (18, 20, 22).
  • Current — newest features, shorter support window. Odd-numbered.

For learning: latest LTS (22 at time of writing).

Up Next

The Node REPL — try out JS without a file.

The REPL →