How to Update NodeJS Version in Ubuntu Command Line? – Its Linux FOSS

NodeJS is a programming language that corresponds to the JavaScript runtime environment. It is generally used in web development and the creation of network applications. It provides an open-source cross-platform to execute the JavaScript programs outside the client/user web browser.

It comes with its latest release after every six months. At this time, its latest LTS stable release is “v18.14.2”. It is recommended to update the NodeJS to its latest release to enhance its functionality and fix the bugs and issues.

This post pens down possible methods to update the NodeJS version in Ubuntu using the command line.

Following the steps of guidelines are required before the updation of NodeJs in Ubuntu.

Step 1: Check Current NodeJs Version

Execute the “–version” command to check the currently installed version of the “NodeJS” package in Ubuntu:

The installed “NodeJS” version is “v12.22.9”.

Step 2: Remove Older NodeJS

It is necessary to remove the older version of the NodeJS application that is currently installed in the Ubuntu system. 

To perform this task, use the default package manager “apt” with “autoremove (remove dependencies)” and “purge (remove configuration files)” in this way:

The “nodejs v12.22.9” has been completely removed now.

Let’s install NodeJS’ latest or updated version using the following methods.

In Linux, the “Binary Files”  contains the executable files of packages from the source code. It hides the built-in source code of every package. It is the most recommended way to install the latest NodeJS release.

Step 1: Download Binary Package

Access the official website of “NodeJS” using the provided link https://nodejs.org/en/download/. The NodeJS website looks like this:

Copy the “Linux Binaries(x64)” URL as per system requirement and download it in the system using the “wget” command:

The “node-v18.14.2” binary package has been downloaded in the present working “home” directory.

Step 2: Extract the Binaries

The download NodeJS binary package is compressed and has the “.xz” extension. Extract it in the “/usr/local” directory and install the latest NodeJS using this command:

The specified node-v18.14.2 package has been extracted into the “/usr/local” directory and also installed successfully.

Step 3: Confirm Updated NodeJS

Now, verify the installed version of NodeJS using the “–version” command in the Ubuntu terminal:

The output confirms that NodeJS’s latest release, “v18.14.2” has been installed successfully.

The “NVM” tool provides the different versions of the “NodeJS” application that can be easily installed/uninstalled as per requirements. It effectively manages the node versions for each project.

Step 1: Download NVM Installation Script

Run the “curl” command line tool to download the “nvm” installation script in the Ubuntu system:

Step 2: Run the NVM Script

Execute the “nvm script” in the “bash” shell when its installation is completed. It will update the user profile (~/bash_profile, ~/.bashrc, or “~/.zshrc”) and create the project “nvm” repository clone:

Update/reload the “bashrc” source file manually for making the changes effective in the user profile:

The “~/.bashrc” file has been updated.

Step 3: View NodeJS Available Versions

Check all the available versions of “NodeJS” that can be installed easily via the “nvm” script:

The latest LTS(Long Term Support) version of “NodeJS” in “nvm” is “v18.14.2”.

Step 4: Install the Latest NodeJS Release

Install the updated “v18.14.2” “NodeJS” release in Ubuntu via “nvm” followed by the “–lts(latest)” flag:

The installation of the latest “NodeJS” has been completed.

Step 5: Verify the Latest NodeJS

Again, check the “NodeJS” version for the verification of its latest release:

It is confirmed that the latest “NodeJS” release “v18.14.2”, has been successfully installed.

The “npm” stands for “Node Package Manager”, which is the widely used package manager for installing JavaScript software projects, including the NodeJS tool. It comes with NodeJS by default.

Step 1: Install “n” Module

First download the “n module” to the default location $HOME/n that is necessary for “npm”. It will also automatically install the latest LTS NodeJS version:

The NodeJS version manager, along with the latest LTS NodeJS release, has been installed successfully.

Step 2: Install the Latest NodeJS (not stable)

The “node-v18.14.2” is the stable LTS release. However, if the user wants to install the latest release, then use the “latest” with “n module” in this way:

Step 3: Verify the Latest NodeJS

The “version” command verifies that the latest release of NodeJS has been successfully installed:

The latest “node-v19.7.0” has been installed but this version is not stable.

In Ubuntu, to update the NodeJs versions to its latest release, use the  “Binary Packages”,

“NVM(Node Version Manager)” and “NPM(Node Package Manager)” tools. The “NVM” and “NPM” command line utilities come pre-installed with NodeJS. 

This post has illustrated all possible methods to update the NodeJS version in Ubuntu using the command line.