How to Install npm on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

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If you’re working with JavaScript or building Node.js applications on Linux, you’ll realize the importance of npm (Node Package Manager). Ubuntu users often need to install npm Ubuntu, update, and manage packages. Here we’ll cover what npm is, why you need it, and multiple methods to install npm Ubuntu (including Ubuntu 22.04, 20.04, and older versions). 

We’ll also walk through verification, updates, troubleshooting, and essential npm commands to get you started. Whether you’re a beginner exploring Node.js or a system administrator setting up a JavaScript environment, this guide will help you master npm installation on Ubuntu terminal step by step.

What is npm and Why Do You Need It?

Before we dive into the installation, let’s understand npm’s role in modern development.

npm (Node Package Manager) is the world’s largest software registry, containing millions of reusable JavaScript packages. When you’re working on a Node.js project, npm helps you:

• Install third-party libraries (like Express, React, or Vue).
• Manage dependencies between packages.
• Keep your applications up to date with the latest versions.
• Share your own packages with the developer community.

It’s important to note that npm comes bundled with Node.js. So, when you install Node.js on Ubuntu, npm is automatically included. If you’re new to Linux, you can also read our beginner-friendly guide: What is Ubuntu

Prerequisites Before Installing npm

Before we start the installation process, make sure you have:

If you already have Node.js installed, check whether npm is available by running:

npm --version

If this command returns a number, npm is already installed. If not, let’s move forward with the installation steps

Method 1 – Installing npm Using Ubuntu APT Package Manager

The APT (Advanced Package Tool) method is the simplest way to install npm on Ubuntu. It uses the default Ubuntu repositories.

Step 1: Update Package Lists

Always begin by updating your package lists to ensure you get the latest version available in the repository:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Node.js

Since npm is bundled with Node.js, install Node.js first:

sudo apt install nodejs

Step 3: Install npm

If npm didn’t come with Node.js, install it separately:

sudo apt install npm

Step 4: Verify Installation

Check the installed versions:

node --version

npm --version

You should now see the installed Node.js and npm version Ubuntu. If both commands return version numbers, you’ve successfully completed your npm installation Ubuntu terminal process using APT.

⚡ Tip: This method may not always provide the latest versions of Node.js and npm. If you need newer releases, consider the NodeSource or nvm methods below.

Method 2 – Installing npm via NodeSource Repository

If you want more control over the Node.js version you install, the NodeSource repository is a better choice. This method ensures you get the latest stable releases.

Step 1: Update Package Lists

sudo apt update

Step 2: Add NodeSource Repository

Download and execute the NodeSource setup script (replace 20.x with your desired version, like 18.x or 16.x):

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

Step 3: Install Node.js and npm

sudo apt install -y nodejs

This installs both Node.js and npm in one go.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

node --version

npm --version

With this method, you get the latest stable version of Node.js and npm Ubuntu packages directly from NodeSource, making it ideal for developers who need the newest features.

Method 3 – Installing npm Using nvm (Node Version Manager)

If you frequently switch between different Node.js projects, you’ll love nvm (Node Version Manager). It allows you to install and manage multiple Node.js and npm versions side by side.

We’ve covered a detailed tutorial here: How to Install NVM on Ubuntu. Below is the quick setup.

Step 1: Install nvm

Run the following command to download and install nvm:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash

Load nvm into your current session:

source ~/.bashrc

Step 2: Install Node.js with nvm

For the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version:

nvm install --lts

This also installs npm automatically.

Step 3: Switch Between Versions

nvm use 18

(replace 18 with your preferred version).

Step 4: Verify npm Installation

npm --version

Using nvm to install npm Ubuntu gives you flexibility. You can easily upgrade, downgrade, or switch Node.js/npm versions depending on your project’s needs.

How to Verify npm Installation

After using any of the above methods, confirm npm is installed correctly.

npm --version

This will return your current npm version Ubuntu. To check Node.js:

node --version

If both commands display version numbers, your npm installation Ubuntu terminal setup is complete.

For additional details, you can refer to our separate guide on How to Check NPM Version

Updating npm to the Latest Version

Keeping npm updated ensures you benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.

To update npm Ubuntu, use:

sudo npm install -g npm@latest

Or, if using nvm:

nvm install-latest-npm

Always verify after updating:

npm --version

This way, you ensure your install node.js and npm Ubuntu setup remains secure and up to date.

Troubleshooting Common npm Installation Issues on Ubuntu

Even though installing npm on Ubuntu is usually straightforward, you might run into errors. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

1. “npm command not found” error

This happens when npm isn’t installed or isn’t included in your system’s PATH.

Fix:

Verify Node.js installation:

node --version

If npm is missing, reinstall using nvm:

nvm install --lts

Update PATH in .bashrc:

export PATH="$HOME/.npm-global/bin:$PATH"

source ~/.bashrc

2. Missing dependencies while installing packages

Some npm packages require compilation tools.

Fix:
Install build tools and Python:

sudo apt install build-essential python3

Then retry your package installation

3. bcrypt installation errors

The bcrypt package often fails without proper dependencies.

Fix:

sudo apt-get install build-essential python3

npm install bcrypt

If issues persist, clear npm cache:

npm cache clean --force

4. Permission errors with global packages

Using sudo npm install -g can sometimes cause permission problems.

Fix:
Set a custom global directory:

npm config set prefix ~/.npm-global

Add it to PATH:

export PATH="$HOME/.npm-global/bin:$PATH"

Then reload your shell:

source ~/.bashrc

5. Slow or blocked npm installation (proxy issues)

If you’re behind a proxy, configure npm:

npm config set proxy http://<proxy-url>:<port>

npm config set https-proxy http://<proxy-url>:<port>

Basic npm Commands to Get Started

Once you’ve managed to install npm Ubuntu, here are a few essential commands to kick off your workflow.

Check npm version Ubuntu:

npm --version

Initialize a new project:

npm init -y

Install a local package (saved in package.json):

npm install <package-name>

Install a package globally (accessible everywhere):

npm install -g <package-name>

Update all outdated packages:

npm update

Remove a package:

npm uninstall <package-name>

Check outdated packages with npm-check-updates (ncu):

ncu -u

npm install

These commands form the backbone of everyday Node.js development on Ubuntu.

Expert Tips for Using npm on Ubuntu

• Use nvm for flexible version management instead of relying only on apt.
• Always keep npm updated (update npm Ubuntu) to benefit from bug fixes.
• Avoid using sudo npm install -g whenever possible; configure a global prefix.
• Check your npm version Ubuntu after every update or reinstall.
• For server deployments, consider running npm on a virtualized environment. You can explore our Linux VPS Hosting to create a stable and isolated setup for your projects.
  

Conclusion

In this guide, we covered everything you need to know about how to install npm on Ubuntu 20.04:

• Different methods (APT, NodeSource, nvm).
• Step-by-step commands for npm installation Ubuntu terminal.
• How to install Node.js and npm Ubuntu.
• Verifying installation and update npm Ubuntu.
• Troubleshooting common errors.
• Basic npm commands and FAQs.

Now, whether you’re running Ubuntu 22.04, 20.04, or an older version, you have a complete roadmap for setting up npm and starting your Node.js projects confidently.

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