Effortless Guide to Installing npm on Windows
Are you ready to get started with Node.js and npm? npm is the default package manager for Node.js, making it simple to share and manage code. Let’s go through the steps to install npm on your Windows machine.
Prerequisites: A little prep goes a long way
To use npm, you need to have Node.js installed on your computer. npm is included with Node.js. Ensure you have a Windows account with administrative privileges and an active internet connection to download the necessary files.
How to Install Node.js and npm on Your Windows
Step 1: Download Node.js Installer
Visit the official Node.js website. You will see two download options: LTS (Long-Term Support) and Current. Choose the LTS version for stability. Click on the Windows Installer option under the LTS version to download the .msi file.
Step 2: Run the Node.js Installer
Find the downloaded .msi file (usually in the Downloads folder) and double-click it to launch the installer.
Follow the prompts in the installation wizard. The default settings are usually fine for most users. Make sure to check the boxes to install npm and to add Node.js to your PATH. This ensures that you can run Node.js and npm from any command line window.
When you finish the setup wizard, click 'Install'. After installation, click 'Finish'. You have successfully installed Node.js and npm on your Windows computer.
Step 3: Verify the Installation
Open a command prompt by typing cmd
in the Windows search bar.
To verify Node.js installation, enter the command:
Bash
This command will display the version of Node.js installed.
To check npm installation, enter the command:
Bash
This will show the version of npm installed, confirming that it is ready to use.
Getting Comfortable with npm
With npm installed, you can explore a wide range of packages. To download a package, use the command:
Bash
Replace <package_name>
with the name of the package you want to install. For example, to install the Express.js framework, type:
Bash
npm will retrieve the Express.js package along with its dependencies for use in your project.
Upgrading npm on Windows
To keep npm updated, use this command in your command prompt:
Bash
The -g
flag installs it globally, making it available for any project.
Setting up npm on Windows is straightforward and enhances your development experience. Mastering npm will help you manage your projects efficiently and access a wide range of tools and libraries.