Oct 2, 2023 4 min read

How To Install Node.js on Debian 11

Install Node.js on Debian 11 with our step-by-step tutorial. Node.js offers a free, open-source runtime for running JavaScript outside browsers.

Install Node.js on Debian 11
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Introduction

Before we begin talking about how to install Node.js on Debian 11, let's briefly understand – What is Node.js?

Node.js is growing in popularity, and for good reason—it makes it easier for us developers to create server-side JavaScript applications. Ryan Dahl first made Node.js available in 2009, and it is built on the Google V8 JavaScript engine. As you can see, despite being only 11–12 years older, it is well-known among JavaScript runtime environments.

Node.js' unique selling point is that it provides a free, open-source runtime server environment that enables us to run JavaScript code outside a browser. By using Node.js for both the front end and the back end, a developer may become a full stack web developer. Consequently, it gives our development a certain level of consistency.

Let's define npm first before moving on. "Node Package Manager" (npm) is the default package repository for node.js.

After defining Node.js and npm, let's move on to the next section of this tutorial, where we'll show you two ways to install Node.js. Any popular OS, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux variants, can be used to install Node.js.

In this tutorial, you will install Node.js on Debian 11. We will also address a few FAQs on how to install Node.js on Debian 11.

Advantages of Node.js

  1. Efficient and Scalable: Node.js allows for handling a large number of concurrent connections with high performance.
  2. JavaScript Everywhere: The ability to use JavaScript for both the client and server-side simplifies development and code sharing.
  3. Fast and Lightweight: Node.js offers a lightweight runtime that enables faster execution and reduced server response time.
  4. Vast Package Ecosystem: Node Package Manager (NPM) provides access to a rich library of pre-built modules for easy integration and efficient development.
  5. Event-Driven Architecture: Node.js utilizes an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, resulting in highly responsive and scalable applications.

Method 1- Installation of Node.js on Debian 11

The curl package must be installed first in order to install node.js on Debian 11. In Debian 11, it is not by default accessible. Type the following command to add Curl to our repository:

sudo apt install curl

The following command must be entered or copied in order to install Node.js in Debian 11.

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_current.x | sudo -E bash -

We can now install the most recent version. Let's examine each Node.js version that is offered in our Debian 11 system. Execute the following command to accomplish that:

sudo apt policy nodejs

Now, by using the subsequent command in our terminal, we may install the most recent Node.js version:

sudo apt install nodejs

We will enter the following command on our terminal to determine whether the installation was successful or not:

node -v

Type the following command to look up the version of Npm:

npm -v

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Node.js on Debian 11.

Method 2 - Installation of Node.js on Debian 11 using Default Package

As previously stated, Debian 11 comes pre-installed with the Node.js package. Using this method to install Node.js is quite simple. It is not advised to use this method, though, as Debian 11's default version will be outdated.

By using the following command in your terminal, you can update the local packages before installing Node.js on Debian 11 using the Debian Node.js Package:

sudo apt update

After that, we'll use the following command to install both the Node.js package and the Node Package Manager:

sudo apt install nodejs npm

In your Debian 11 terminal, enter the following command to confirm the installation:

node -v

How to Uninstall/Remove Node.js on Debian 11

You might wish to remove Node.js from the machine at some point. Using the apt package, we may remove Node.js from your Debian operating system. To delete Node.js, enter the following command on your Debian 11 terminal:

sudo apt remove nodejs

All configuration files and the node.js package will be deleted from your system by the command listed above.

node -v
npm -v

FAQs to Install Node.js on Debian 11

What version of Node.js is available in Debian 11 repositories?

Debian 11 typically provides the LTS (Long-Term Support) version of Node.js. The specific version may vary, but it will be a stable release.

Can I install a specific version of Node.js on Debian 11?

Yes, you can use Node Version Manager (NVM) to install and manage multiple versions of Node.js on Debian 11. Instructions can be found in the NVM documentation.

How can I verify if Node.js is successfully installed on Debian 11?

After installation, open the terminal and run node -v to check the installed Node.js version. It should display the version number.

Are npm (Node Package Manager) and npx included in the Node.js installation on Debian 11?

Yes, npm and npx are included by default when you install Node.js on Debian 11 using the package manager. They can be accessed through the command line.

Can I update Node.js to the latest version on Debian 11?

By default, Debian repositories may not always have the latest Node.js version. However, you can use tools like nvm or manual installation to update Node.js.

What is the recommended method to uninstall Node.js from Debian 11?

To uninstall Node.js on Debian 11, run sudo apt remove nodejs in the terminal. It will remove the Node.js package from your system.

Are there any alternatives to installing Node.js from the Debian repositories?

Yes, you can download the official Node.js binaries from the Node.js website and follow their installation instructions for Debian-based systems.

Conclusion

Now, we will see the following message when we check for the node.js or npm version: Since its initial release little over 11 or 12 years ago, it has advanced to the top in every category of server-side applications. To make things clear, Netflix and PayPal are both built on Node.js.

This tutorial demonstrated how to install and remove Node.js on Debian 11. This installation guide should be sufficient for your Debian 11 system, we hope. If you have any queries, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to respond to them.

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