Node.js is a free, open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that lets developers create servers, web apps, command line tools and scripts.

Node.js is a powerful JavaScript runtime that lets you build scalable and high-performance applications. With the release of Node.js v22, developers now have access to new features, improvements, and bug fixes. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to install Node.js v22 on Ubuntu 22.04.

Step 1: Update Your Package Index

Before installing any packages, it’s important to update your system’s package index. This ensures you’re installing the latest versions available in the repository.

Open your terminal and run the following command:

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sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Node.js v22 may require certain dependencies to be installed on your system. Install them using the following command:

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sudo apt install curl gnupg2 lsb-release

These packages are required to download and manage the Node.js installation scripts and repository keys.

Step 3: Add NodeSource Repository

To install the specific version of Node.js (v22), you will need to add the NodeSource repository. NodeSource provides an official repository with pre-built packages for various versions of Node.js.

Run the following command to add the NodeSource repository for Node.js v22:

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curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -

This script will automatically detect your Ubuntu version and configure the repository for Node.js v22.

Step 4: Install Node.js v22

After adding the repository, you can now install Node.js v22. Simply run:

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sudo apt install -y nodejs

This will install Node.js along with the npm (Node Package Manager) that comes bundled with it.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

Once the installation is complete, you can verify that Node.js v22 is installed correctly by checking the version of Node.js and npm.

To check the Node.js version, run:

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node -v

This should return something like:

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v22.x.x

To check the npm version, run:

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npm -v

This will confirm that npm has also been installed successfully.

Step 6: (Optional) Install Build Tools

If you’re planning to build native add-ons or work with some npm packages that require compiling, you may need to install additional build tools:

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sudo apt install -y build-essential

This will install the necessary compilers and libraries for building native modules.

Troubleshooting

  • Problem: After installation, node or npm commands aren’t recognized.
    • Solution: Make sure that /usr/local/bin is in your system’s PATH. You can check this by running echo $PATH and adding the directory if it’s missing.
  • Problem: Some packages fail to build or install.
    • Solution: Installing build-essential should resolve most compilation issues.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully installed Node.js v22 on Ubuntu 22.04. Whether you’re developing a new project or maintaining an existing one, Node.js v22 offers the latest features to help you build high-performance applications. If you encounter any issues during the installation, be sure to check the official Node.js documentation or ask the community for help.