How to update node js windows

Node.js is one of the most popular development platforms nowadays. It allows developers to create server-side applications using JavaScript. Updating Node versions can be tricky, but it’s crucial for your development environment.

This blog post will take you through updating Node.js on Mac, Windows, and Linux. We’ll also give you some tips to make the process as smooth as possible. First, we’ll discuss why keeping your Node up-to-date is essential.

Let’s get started!

Why is it important to keep Node up-to-date?

Node.js is an open-source platform. New features, bug fixes, and security updates are constantly released. Newer versions of Node.js will have better performance, stability, and security. That’s why it’s essential to keep up-to-date with the latest version of Node

Now that we know how important it is to update Node, how do you update it? Let’s look at updating Node on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

There are a few ways to update Node on Mac and Windows. We’ll talk about using a package manager such as NPM or manually downloading the latest version and installing it yourself.  

Using NPM:

To update Node using NPM, do the following:

1. Open the Terminal and check your current Node version: 
   node -v 
2. Install n package using the following command:
   npm install -g n   
   This command will install a tool called «n» which you can use to update Node easily.
3. To update Node, run the following command in your terminal:           
   n latest
   This command will install the latest version of Node on your system.
4. Now you can verify that your update is complete by rechecking your Node version:  
   node -v

You can also manually download and install the latest Node version from the official website.

How to Update Node Versions on Linux

Updating Node on Linux is a bit different from how it’s done on Windows and Mac. To update Node, you’ll need to use a package manager such as NVM or APT.

Using nvm:  

NVM (Node Version Manager) is a tool that allows you to manage multiple versions of Node on your system. You can use nvm to install, update, and switch between different versions of Node.

To update your version of Node using nvm, do the following:

1. Check if you already have nvm installed on your system:  
   nvm —version
2. If it’s not installed, install nvm using this command:    
   curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.35.3/install.sh | bash
3. Once nvm is installed, check your current version of Node by running the following command:
   node -v
4. Then update your version of Node using the following command:  
   nvm install node —reinstall-packages-from=node
5. And finally, verify that your update is complete by rechecking your Node version:  
   node -v

Using APT (Advanced Package Tool):

APT is a package manager for Debian-based Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Debian. To update Node using APT, do the following:

1. First, check your current version of Node by running the following command:
   node -v
2. Then run this command to install the latest version of Node:    
   sudo apt-get install nodejs
3.  And finally verify that your update is complete by rechecking your Node version:  
   node -v

These are just a few ways to update Node on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Keep in mind that it’s important to keep up-to-date with the latest version of Node not only for security reasons but also to get access to new features and bug fixes.

Tips For Updating Your Node Version

Updating Node versions can be a simple process. Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Make sure your existing Node version is up to date before upgrading. You may experience issues during the updating process if it still needs to be updated.
• Test any new features or bug fixes on a development environment before deploying them to production. This will help ensure that everything works as expected before making any changes live.
• Ensure your development environment is backed up regularly if anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.
• Keep an eye on the Node release notes for new updates or software changes.

By following these tips and using the above methods, you can ensure that your node version is always up-to-date with the latest features and security patches!     

Final Thoughts on Updating Node Version

The benefits of Node.js is countless. From its easy-to-use environment, modern features, and constant updates, Node is a popular choice for developing applications. Keeping your version of Node up-to-date is important to get the best performance, security, and features out of it. With multiple options available such as Mac, Windows, and Linux,  updating Node is accessible and can be done quickly with just a few steps.

Introduction

Node.js is an open-source JavaScript runtime environment. Since Node.js has an active community of users, minor updates of the software come out every few weeks.

You may be using Node.js as a layer of the MEAN stack or in a different JS framework. Either way, make sure to update Node.js regularly to ensure system security.

There are several ways to install Node.js and NPM. Likewise, there are several ways to update your Node.js version, depending on the operating system running on your machine.

In this article, you will learn how to update to the latest Node.js version on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

3 Ways to Update Node.js to Latest Version on Linux Systems

There are different ways to update Node.js if you are using a Linux-based system. Although using the Node Version Manager is the easiest and most recommended option, you can also update with the local package manager or by downloading the binary packages.

Option 1: Update Node.js with NVM (Node Version Manager)

The best way to upgrade Node.js is with NVM, a practical tool for managing multiple Node.js versions.

1. Start by updating the package repository with the command:

sudo apt update

2. Install NVM using the curl command:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.38.0/install.sh | bash

Alternatively, you use wget and run the command:

wget -q0- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.38.0/install.sh | bash

3. Close and reopen the terminal for system to recognize the changes or run the command:

source ~/.bashrc

5. Then, verify if you have successfully installed NVM:

nvm --version

6. Before upgrading Node.js, check which version you have running on the system:

nvm ls

7. Now you can check for newly available releases with:

nvm ls-remote

8. To install the latest version, use the nvm command with the specific Node.js version:

nvm install [version.number]

Option 2: Update Node.js with NPM (Node Package Manager)

As an alternative, you can use Node’s official package manager to update Node.js. NPM is a tool for installing and managing package dependencies.

If you have Node on your system, you have NPM, as well. With the npm command, you can check running Node.js versions and install the latest release.

By adding the n module, you can interactively manage Node.js versions.

1. First, clear the npm cache:

npm cache clean -f

2. Install n, Node’s version manager:

npm install -g n

3. With the n module installed, you can use it to:

Install the latest stable version:

sudo n stable

Install the latest release:

sudo n latest

Install a specific version:

sudo n [version.number]

Option 3: Update Node.js with Binary Packages

Updating Node.js with binary packages is the least recommended option. However, if it is the only way you can upgrade to the latest Node.js version, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Navigate to Node’s official downloads page where you can find all available packages. There you can download the source code or pre-built installer for the LTS versions or the latest release.

2. You can either download the package from your browser or find the version number you need and add it to the wget command:

wget https://nodejs.org/dist/v14.17.0/node-v14.17.0-linux-x64.tar.xz

3. Next, install xz-utils used to extract the binary package:

sudo apt-get install xz-utils

4. Extract and install the package with the command:

sudo tar -C /usr/local --strip-components 1 -xJf node-v14.17.0-linux-x64.tar.xz

Updating Node.js on Windows and macOS follows the same principles.

There are two simple ways to upgrade:

• Download the latest Node.js release from its official download page and install the new Node.js release.
• Install the n module and update Node.js inside the terminal window.

Option 1: Update Node.js on Windows and macOS with Installer

One way to update your Node.js is to go to its official download page and install the newest release. Bz doing so, the system should overwrite the older version with the updated one.

1. Navigate to the Node.js website and click on the latest stable version or the newest current release (with the latest features).

2. After deciding the version, click on the Windows or the macOS Installer, depending on the system you are using. The system downloads the package and stores it in the specified directory.

3. Once the download is complete, run the installer.

4. The Node.js Setup Wizard appears and guides you through the installation.

5. Accept the License Agreement by checking the box and click Next.

6. Choose the destination folder where you want to install Node.js.

7. Node.js allows you to select how you want to install the Node features. Change the way the features are installed by clicking on the icons in the tree.

8. With that, the latest Node.js is ready to install. Click Install to confirm, wait until the installation completes, and click Finish.

9. Check the Node.js version with the command:

node -v

Option 2: Update Node.js on Windows and macOS with NPM

If you want to upgrade Node.js from the command line, use the n model within the npm command. The n feature allows you to interact with different Node.js versions.

1. Before updating the Node.js release, check which version you are currently using with:

node -v

2. Next, clear npm cache with the command:

npm cache clean -f

3. Install n globally:

npm install -g n

4. Now that you have n installed, you can use the module to install the latest stable release of Node.js:

sudo n stable

Alternatively, you can install the Node.js release with the latest features:

sudo n latest

Or, install a specific version number with:

n [version.number]

Conclusion

The best part of open-source technology is its strong community of users constantly working on upgrading the software.

Node.js is a good example of such software as new versions come out regularly. Users can choose whether they want to work with the LTS (the long-term supported version) or the latest version with the newest features.

This article should have helped you update Node.js on any operating system.

To upgrade Node you may first want to see which version of Node.js you are currently using:

node --version

Find out which versions of Node.js you may have installed and which one of those you’re currently using:

nvm ls

List all versions of Node.js available for installation:

nvm ls-remote

Apparently for Windows the command would be rather like this:

nvm ls available

Assuming you would pick Node.js v8.1.0 for installation you’d type the following to install that version:

nvm install 8.1.0

You are then free to choose between installed versions of Node.js. So if you would need to use an older version like v4.2.0 you would set it as the active version like this:

nvm use 4.2

That should be all.

---

In 2013 I used the following instructions to upgrade from Node.js version 0.10.6 to 0.10.21 on a Mac, for more recent instructions see above.

Update from 2017: Please mind, Mr. Walsh himself recommended to update Node.js just using nvm instead.

1. Clear NPM’s cache:

    sudo npm cache clean -f
   

2. Install a little helper called ‘n’

    sudo npm install -g n
   

3. Install latest stable Node.js version

    sudo n stable
   

Alternatively pick a specific version and install like this:

sudo n 0.8.20

For production environments you might want to pay attention to version numbering and be picky about odd/even numbers.

Credits

• General procedure: D.Walsh
• Stable/unstable versions: P.Teixeira

Nodejs development services are known as one of the most effective backend technology stacks and currently play a significant role in the domain of mobile applications, web applications, game development services, and many more. Node js simplifies the long-winded development process of mobile apps and web apps with its scalable modules, packages, and services.

Node js allows developers to create server-side applications using Javascript code. Every new version of Node comes with improved performance from its predecessors and ease of access for developers. So updating Node js is critical for the smooth execution of projects. How do you update Node.js to the latest version, then?

In this blog, we will discuss how developers can update Node js to the latest version by different methods.

Let’s get started!

Why is it necessary to update Node js?

Node js is an open-source javascript runtime environment designed to provide backend solutions in mobile application and web application development. The new update includes handy features, security updates, and bug fixes, improving its performance, security, and stability.

Now, the question is, “Is it necessary to update Node js even if the project runs smoothly?”

Here is the answer. The updated package ensures the code is running with the latest security features. With improved security, cyber threats like stealing source code are minimized. During third-party code integration, security issues can be avoided with the latest security updates of node.js development services.

Read More: Best Node.js Frameworks for App Development in 2023

Updating Node js on Windows and macOS

Option 1: Using NPM

NPM is known as a node package manager, used to install many modules and packages in the node js application development and node js API development. However, that is not the end of the road, as it plays a massive role in installing and updating the latest node js development services and Node js. Here is how Node js developers can update Node to the latest version from the command line interface.

Read More: Reasons to Use Node.js For Development

Steps to Follow:

1) First, you must check the current version of the Node.

node – v

2) Next, clear the npm cache with the command:

npm cache clean -f

3) Install n globally

npm install -g n

4) Now, to update the node, run the following command:

n latest

This command will install the latest version of node js on your system.

5) If you want to install a specific version of the node, run the following command:

n [version.number]

6) Now, to check the latest node version that is installed on your system, run the following command:

node -v

BOOM! You are using the latest version of Node.js development services.

Option 2: From Web Using Windows and macOS installer

Another easy way to update Node.js is to go to the official site of Nodejs and download the newest release. By doing so, the system will overwrite the older version with the updated one. Here is how it can be done.

Steps to Follow:

1. Browse nodejs.org on the web and move to the download section.
2. Now, select the version you want to download (LTS or Current Latest) and then select Windows or macOS installer, depending on your OS.
3. Once the download is complete, run the installer.
4. A pop-up window will appear, which will guide you through the installation.
5. Check mark the license agreement box and click on Next.
6. Choose the destination folder to install node.js.
7. Node.js will offer how you want to install the node js development features.
8. Once you select the features you want to go with, click install, and after installation completes, click Finish.
9. Now the latest node js is installed on your device, to check run the command on CLI:

node -v

Read More: Nodejs vs. Python: Which Backend Technology to Use in 2023?

Updating Node js on Linux

Compared to Windows and macOS, a different procedure is followed to update Node on Linux. Linux requires a package manager like NVM or APT to update Node js development services. Here is how you can update Node to the latest version in Linux.

1. Using NVM (Node Version Manager)

NVM is nothing but a tool that gives the flexibility of managing multiple versions of Node on your system. It plays a large role in developing scalable web and mobile apps. NVM can install, update, and switch between different Node versions.

Steps to Follow:

1) First, you must check whether you have nvm installed on your system.

nvm –version

2) If nvm is not installed, install it using this command:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.35.3/install.sh | bash

3) After the installation of nvm, check the current version of the node:

node -v

4) Follow this command to update the node version

nvm install node –reinstall-packages-from=node

5) Recheck your updated node by running the node version command again:

node -v

2. Using APT (Advanced Package Tool)

APT or Advanced Package Tool is used for Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu. Here is how Node can be updated to the latest version using APT.

Steps to Follow:

1) First, check the current version of the node by following the command:

node -v

2) After that, run this command to update it to the latest version:

sudo apt-get install nodejs

3) Confirm the installation by checking the node version again:

node -v

Read More: Benefits of Hiring NodeJS Development Company for Games & Applications

Tips for Updating Node to the Latest Version

It is a simple process to update NODE. Here are some tips you must follow.

• Before updating, make sure your current node version is up-to-date. If the previous updates are pending, you may face issues updating it to the latest version.
• New features or bug fixes must be solved in the development environment before deploying them to production. It ensures everything is running as expected without any live project changes.
• If anything goes wrong in the upgradation, there has to be a backup for the development environment.
• Visit the official Nodejs website regularly for new release notes and software changes.

Node js Development Company: FAQs

1. What is the role of Node in web development services?

Node js web development services are among the most popular, reliable, and advanced in the current occupied web development business needs.

2. Do Node js solutions offer real-time collaboration tools?

Yes, Node js development services offer dynamic web applications and software solutions by working with flexible engagement models and real-time collaboration tools in Node js.

3. Is Node js safe to use?

Yes, the core of Node.js is secure to use. Additional security measures are required in third-party packages to protect web and mobile apps.

Final Thoughts!

The best feature of the robust user base of open-source software is continuously trying to improve the platform. So, are you looking for a Node js development company? Artoon Solutions Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading node.js development companies, focuses on advanced node.js web development by working with experienced developers. We aim to become the best node js web development company and ace node js app development company worldwide.

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