How to Update Node.js To Latest Version [Updated]

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Node.js has gained popularity due to its various advantages. Node.js has taken over web development among small and large enterprises. After the introduction of JavaScript, developers mostly preferred it due to its ubiquity in web development. It offers rich libraries for creating interactive and advanced interfaces but never deployed anything from the backend platform. However, Node.js is an alternative that multiple startups and enterprises have widely adopted. This article will guide you on how to update the Node JS version to the latest version with screenshots.

Node.js has been introduced as a JavaScript runtime environment that helps build and run an infrastructure application. It provides a cross-platform and scalable way of executing the code. It is extremely efficient due to its event-driven I/O model.

Before learning the different ways to upgrade Node, we should have basic information about Node.JS, like what Node.JS is, its advantages, history, and various versions.

What is Node.js? [Definition]

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Node.js is a cross-platform JavaScript environment that allows server-side scripting. It ensures a non-blocking workflow, thus making it popular amongst developers to create dynamic web-based applications.

It provides a node package manager that is also known as npm. You can use its command-line feature to interact with the npm online repository for installing packages, version management, and dependency management. It is better to use the updated or the latest Node and npm to ensure improved performance and added functionalities. It is spreading its ways in creating real-time web-based applications, the Internet of Things, and managing microservices. It is being downloaded by billions of developers and users globally. Due to its immense advantages, most developers are being adopted, and the skill is in great demand.

The essential advantages of Node are mentioned below:

You can create real-time and high-traffic applications with great ease and efficiency.
You can use Node.js to build JavaScript code for both the client and server sides.
It enhances the development process efficiency by bridging the gap between frontend and backend developers.
Npm offers various tools and modules for the developers to use and helps enhance productivity.
It ensures that the code will run much faster than any other alternative language.
Use for running microservices, which is considered the perfect solution among enterprise applications.

You will choose Node.js over other alternatives as it was developed for scalable applications. It provides a modern tooling solution and can create complex applications from other languages.

History of Node.js

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However, this language is just 12 years old compared to JavaScript (26 years old) and the Internet (32 years old). Node.js language was written in 2009 by Ryan Dahl, which he initially introduced for Mac OS X and Linux systems. Node.js was developed and maintained by Dahl, and after some time, it was sponsored by Joyent.

In 2009, Dahl strongly criticized the Apache HTTP server’s limited possibility for managing thousands of multiple concurrent connections simultaneously. The blocked code within the simultaneous connections process might have led to various issues; that could be resolved by creating a code through sequential programming.

Dahl demonstrated the Node.js project at the inaugural European JSConf for the first time on November 8, 2009.

Node.js Highlights

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2009	The starting of Node.js Creation of NPM (node package manager)
2010	The starting of Express The starting of socket.io
2011	Released version 1.0 of npm Adopted by companies Uber, Linked In, etc. The starting of hapi
2012	Node.js adoption continues and growing globally
2013	The first blogging platform using Node.js is Ghost. The start of Koa
2014	IO.js became a significant fork of Node.js, known as “The Big Fork,” introducing the support for ES6
2015	Foundation for Node.js began IO.js is merged back into Node.js Introduction of private npm modules
2016	The starting of Yarn The advent of Node.js 6
2017	Security has become the main concern for npm focuses more on security. Node’s official download site nodes version manager The introduction of Node.js 8 and HTTP/2 V8 introduces Node.js in its testing suite and makes Node.js a target for the JS engine officially
2018	The introduction of Node.js 10 ES modules .mjs experimental support
2019	The introduction of Node.js 12 - 13 version. Started the work on Deno for moving server-side JS into the next decade, ensuring the modern JavaScript support
2020	The starting of Node.js 14 - 15 GitHub acquired npm

Importance of Keeping Node.js Up-to-Date

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Node.js, an open-source JavaScript runtime environment, has rapidly gained popularity in the world of web development. However, simply having Node.js installed isn't enough to ensure your projects run smoothly and securely. Keeping Node.js up-to-date is of paramount importance for several compelling reasons:

Performance Enhancements: Newer versions of Node.js often come with performance improvements and optimizations. By updating to the latest version, you can harness these enhancements to make your applications run faster and more efficiently. This means reduced loading times, smoother user experiences, and better overall performance.
Enhanced Stability: To update Node js Windows includes bug fixes and stability enhancements. Outdated versions may contain known issues or bugs that can lead to unexpected crashes or errors in your applications. By staying current, you ensure that your applications are running on a stable and reliable platform.
Security Updates: Security is a top concern in the digital landscape. Hackers and malicious actors are continually seeking vulnerabilities to exploit. Node.js updates often include crucial security patches that address known vulnerabilities. Failing to update Node js Windows puts your applications at risk of potential security breaches, data leaks, and other security-related issues.
Access to New Features: As Node.js evolves, it introduces new features and functionalities that can enhance your development process. These features may simplify your code, improve development efficiency, and unlock new possibilities for your applications. Staying up-to-date ensures you have access to these cutting-edge features.
Compatibility: Node.js is not an isolated component in your development stack. It interacts with various libraries, frameworks, and dependencies. Newer versions of Node.js are designed to work seamlessly with the latest versions of these tools. Failing to update Node js Windows could lead to compatibility issues, making it challenging to integrate new tools or libraries into your projects.

Why Update Node.js?

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If you're using Node.js in your web development, keeping it up to date is important. Not only will this ensure that you have the latest features and bug fixes, but it will also help keep your application secure. Here are a few reasons why you should upgrade Node.js to the latest version:

1. New features and bug fixes: As new versions of Node.js are released, they include new features and bug fixes. You'll get access to these new features and bug fixes by updating to the latest version.
2. Security: As security vulnerabilities are discovered in older versions of Node.js, they are patched in newer versions. You'll ensure your application is as secure as possible by updating it to the latest version.
3. compatibility: If you're using an older version of Node.js, there's a chance that it might not be compatible with newer versions of dependencies (such as Express). By updating to the latest version of Node.js, you can avoid any compatibility issues.

So if you're looking to upgrade Node.js to the latest version, follow the steps in this guide, and you'll be up and running in no time!

How to Update Node.js Version?

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If you are working on Node.js, make sure you should have the latest Node.js version and packages installed on your system. If you already have Node.js installed and want to upgrade it to the newest available stable version, you can follow the steps below. As it is cross-platform, you can be installed on various platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Below are the different ways to upgrade the Node version to its latest version according to your system.

Update Node.js on the Linux system
Update Node.js on Windows and macOS

Updating Node.js on Linux Systems

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Linux users have several options for updating Node.js, including using the Node Version Manager (NVM), the Node Package Manager (NPM), or downloading binary packages.

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

NVM is a powerful tool for managing multiple Node.js versions. Here's how to use it:

Start by updating the package repository:

sudo apt update

Install NVM using the following curl command:

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

Note: If you don't have curl installed, you can do so with sudo apt install curl.

Close and reopen the terminal or run:

source ~/.bashrc

Verify the successful installation of NVM:

nvm --version

Check your current Node.js version:

nvm ls

To see the latest available Node.js releases, use:

nvm ls-remote

Install the latest Node.js version by specifying the desired version number:

nvm install [version.number]

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

NPM, Node's official package manager, also allows you to update Node.js easily. Here's how:

Start by clearing the NPM cache:

npm cache clean -f

Install the 'n' module, Node's version manager:

npm install -g n

Use the 'n' module to install the latest stable Node.js release:

sudo n stable

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

sudo n latest

Or, install a specific Node.js version:

n [version.number]

Option 3: Update Node.js with Binary Packages

Updating Node.js with binary packages should be your last resort, but it's possible when necessary:

Visit the Node.js official downloads page to find available packages, including source code and pre-built installers for LTS versions and the latest releases.
Download the package from your browser or use wget with the specific version number:

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

Install 'xz-utils' to extract the binary package:

sudo apt-get install xz-utils

Extract and install the package with the following 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

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Updating Node.js on Windows and macOS is straightforward and follows similar principles.

Option 1: Update Node js Windows and macOS with Installer

Visit the Node.js website and select the latest stable version or the newest release with the latest features.
Choose the Windows or macOS Installer based on your operating system. The system will download the package and store it in the specified directory.
Run the installer.
The Node.js Setup Wizard will appear and guide you through the installation.
Accept the License Agreement and click Next.
Choose the destination folder for Node.js installation.
Customize the Node.js features installation as needed.
Proceed with the installation by clicking Install, and then click Finish once it's completed.
Check the Node.js version with the command:

node -v

Option 2: Update Node js Windows and macOS with NPM

To update Node js Windows from the command line on Windows and macOS, use the 'n' module within npm. Here's how:

First, check your current Node.js version:

node -v

Clear the npm cache:

npm cache clean -f

Install 'n' globally:

npm install -g n

Use the 'n' module to install the latest stable Node.js release:

sudo n stable

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

sudo n latest

Or, install a specific version number:

n [version.number]

Tips for Updating Node js Windows Version

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Updating Node.js to the latest version is essential for improving performance, ensuring security, and accessing new features. To make the updating process as smooth and trouble-free as possible, consider these valuable tips:

Check Your Current Node Version: Before initiating the updated Node js Windows process, it's wise to check your current Node.js version using the following command:

node -v

Knowing your current version helps you track the progress of the update and confirm its success.

Backup Your Development Environment: While the update node.js Windows process is generally smooth, there's always a slight chance of unexpected issues. It's a good practice to regularly back up your development environment, including your code and project configurations. This precaution ensures you can easily revert to a stable state if anything goes wrong during the update process.
Test in a Development Environment: Before rolling out updates to your production environment, create a dedicated development or staging environment. Test your applications, libraries, and dependencies on this environment with the updated Node.js version. This allows you to identify and resolve any compatibility issues or unexpected behavior before they affect your live applications.
Stay Informed with Release Notes: Node.js maintains detailed release notes for each version, highlighting new features, bug fixes, and security updates. Keep an eye on these release notes to understand what changes come with the latest Node.js version. This information can help you take full advantage of new features and stay informed about any potential breaking changes.
Consider Using a Version Manager: If your projects require multiple Node.js versions for different applications, consider using a version manager like NVM (Node Version Manager) or n to manage and switch between Node.js versions effortlessly. These tools simplify the process of updating and ensure compatibility across projects.
Regularly Update Dependencies: Alongside Node.js, don't forget to update your project's dependencies, such as packages managed by npm or yarn. Keeping all components up-to-date helps maintain compatibility and security throughout your development stack.
Keep an Eye on Security Updates: Security is a primary concern in today's digital landscape. Stay informed about Node.js security updates and apply them promptly to protect your applications from potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

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Node.js has been a very popular programming language for creating web-based applications over the years. To work with Node.js, you must have the latest stable version to experience new functionalities and make your web application more interactive. We hope that we can clear or help you to Update the Node version to the latest version with various methods on the various operating systems. It is not cumbersome and can be done in a few simple steps.

If you have any suggestions or any other methods to do so, please share those with us via the comment box listed below.

Category: Tutorials