How to Install Node.js on Ubuntu 25.10

Node.js is one of the most popular runtimes for running JavaScript outside the browser. It powers modern web applications, APIs, and scalable backend services. On Ubuntu 25.10, installing Node.js is simple with just a few commands.

Step 1: Update System Packages

Always start by refreshing your system so you get the latest security patches and package versions:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Add the NodeSource Repository

The default Ubuntu repositories may not include the latest Node.js version. To install the most recent LTS release (recommended for production), use the official NodeSource repo:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs

This installs both Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager).

Step 3: Verify Installation

Check whether Node.js and npm are working correctly:

node -v
npm -v

If you see version numbers, the installation was successful.

Step 4: Install Build Tools (Optional)

Some npm packages require compiling from source. To prevent errors during package installation, it’s a good idea to add essential build tools:

sudo apt install -y build-essential

Node.js and npm are now installed and configured on Ubuntu 25.10. Your system is ready to run modern JavaScript applications, APIs, and scalable backend services.