Install Node.js and npm

Node.js provides the JavaScript runtime required to execute our backend application.

npm is the package manager used to install Express and other dependencies.

Install an active Node.js LTS release from the official Node.js website.

After installation, open your terminal and verify the installation.

Prerequisites

Node.js

20+ recommended

Package Manager

npm

Code Editor

Visual Studio Code

API Client

Postman or Bruno

Knowledge

Basic JavaScript and HTTP

Verify Node.js Installation
node --version
npm --version

Displays the installed Node.js and npm versions.

Key Takeaways
  • Node.js executes JavaScript on the server.

  • npm manages application dependencies.

  • Use a supported Node.js LTS release.