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 --versionDisplays 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.