Introduction

Before you start writing JavaScript programs outside the browser or build automation scripts using frameworks like Playwright, Selenium WebDriver, or WebdriverIO, you need to install Node.js on your computer.

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that allows JavaScript code to run outside a web browser. It also includes npm (Node Package Manager), which is used to install JavaScript libraries, frameworks, and tools required for development and automation testing.

Installing Node.js is the first step in setting up a JavaScript development and automation environment.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime built on Google’s V8 JavaScript engine.

It enables developers to:

Run JavaScript outside the browser
Build backend applications
Create REST APIs
Develop automation frameworks
Execute JavaScript scripts
Install third-party packages using npm

Why Do We Need Node.js?

Without Node.js, JavaScript can only run inside a web browser.

Node.js allows JavaScript to:

Access the file system
Connect to databases
Execute automation scripts
Create web servers
Install external libraries
Run command-line applications

Benefits of Installing Node.js

Installing Node.js provides:

JavaScript Runtime
npm (Node Package Manager)
Command Line Tools
Package Management
Cross-Platform Support
Access to Thousands of Open-Source Libraries

Node.js and npm

When you install Node.js, npm is installed automatically.

Node.js

Used to execute JavaScript programs.

npm

Used to:

Install packages
Update packages
Remove packages
Manage project dependencies

System Requirements

Before installing Node.js, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

Windows 10 or later
macOS
Linux
Administrator privileges (recommended)
Stable internet connection

Step 1: Download Node.js

Open your web browser.
Visit the official Node.js website.
Download the LTS (Long-Term Support) version.
Save the installer to your computer.

The LTS version is recommended because it is stable and suitable for most development and automation projects.

Step 2: Run the Installer

Locate the downloaded installer and double-click it.

The Node.js Setup Wizard will open.

Click:

Next

to continue.

Step 3: Accept the License Agreement

Read the license agreement.

Select:

I accept the terms in the License Agreement

Click:

Next

Step 4: Choose Installation Location

Select the installation folder.

The default location is usually sufficient.

Example:

C:\Program Files\nodejs\

Click:

Next

Step 5: Select Components

Keep the default components selected.

Typical components include:

Node.js Runtime
npm Package Manager
Online Documentation Shortcuts
Add to PATH

Click:

Next

Step 6: Install Node.js

Click:

Install

The installation process will begin.

Wait until the installation is completed.

Step 7: Finish Installation

Click:

Finish

Node.js is now installed on your computer.

Verify the Installation

Open:

Command Prompt
Windows Terminal
PowerShell
Terminal (macOS/Linux)

Check the installed Node.js version.

node -v

Example Output

v22.16.0

(The version number may differ depending on the latest release installed.)

Verify npm Installation

Check the npm version.

npm -v

Example Output

10.9.2

(The version number may vary.)

What Happens After Installation?

After installing Node.js, you can:

Execute JavaScript files
Install automation frameworks
Install third-party libraries
Create Node.js projects
Build web applications
Run automation scripts

Running Your First JavaScript Program

Create a file named:

app.js

Add the following code:

console.log("Hello, Node.js!");

Save the file.

Open the terminal in the same folder and run:

node app.js

Output

Hello, Node.js!

Congratulations! You have successfully executed your first JavaScript program using Node.js.

Checking the Installation Path

To verify where Node.js is installed, run:

Windows

where node

macOS/Linux

which node

The command displays the location of the Node.js executable.

Environment Variables

During installation, Node.js is automatically added to the system’s PATH environment variable.

This allows you to run Node.js commands from any directory.

Example:

node app.js

You do not need to navigate to the installation folder to execute Node.js commands.

Installing Packages Using npm

Once Node.js is installed, you can install packages easily.

Example:

npm install playwright

Another example:

npm install axios

These packages are downloaded and added to your project.

Common Commands After Installation

Command	Description
`node -v`	Displays the installed Node.js version
`npm -v`	Displays the npm version
`node app.js`	Runs a JavaScript file
`npm init`	Creates a new Node.js project
`npm install package-name`	Installs a package
`npm uninstall package-name`	Removes a package

Common Installation Problems

Node Command Not Recognized

Error

'node' is not recognized as an internal or external command.

Solution

Restart the terminal.
Restart the computer.
Ensure Node.js was added to the system PATH.
Reinstall Node.js if necessary.

npm Command Not Found

Solution

Verify that npm was installed correctly.

Run:

npm -v

If npm is missing, reinstall Node.js.

Installing the Wrong Version

Avoid installing experimental versions unless required.

Use the LTS (Long-Term Support) version for stability.

Best Practices

Install the LTS Version

The LTS version is stable, well-tested, and recommended for development and automation projects.

Verify the Installation

Always check both Node.js and npm versions after installation.

node -v

npm -v

Keep Node.js Updated

Update Node.js periodically to receive:

Performance improvements
Security updates
New features
Bug fixes

Use npm for Dependency Management

Instead of downloading libraries manually, install them using npm.

Example:

npm install playwright

Real-World Example

Suppose you want to automate a login page using Playwright.

The first step is to install Node.js.

After installation, you can:

Create a project.
Install Playwright using npm.
Write JavaScript automation scripts.
Execute tests using Node.js.

Without Node.js, these automation scripts cannot run.

Conclusion

Installing Node.js is the foundation of JavaScript development and automation testing. It provides the JavaScript runtime needed to execute programs outside the browser and includes npm for managing libraries and dependencies.

Whether you are developing web applications, creating automation frameworks, or writing API tests, Node.js is an essential tool. By installing the LTS version, verifying the installation, and understanding basic Node.js commands, you are ready to begin your JavaScript development and automation journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that allows JavaScript code to run outside a web browser.

Does Node.js include npm?

Yes. npm (Node Package Manager) is installed automatically with Node.js.

Which Node.js version should I install?

It is recommended to install the LTS (Long-Term Support) version.

How do I verify that Node.js is installed?

Run:

node -v

Can I run JavaScript without Node.js?

Yes, JavaScript can run inside a web browser. However, to execute JavaScript outside the browser or use automation frameworks like Playwright, Selenium WebDriver (JavaScript), or WebdriverIO, Node.js is required.

Key Takeaways

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime used to execute JavaScript outside the browser.
npm is installed automatically with Node.js.
The LTS version is recommended for development and automation projects.
Verify the installation using node -v and npm -v.
Node.js enables JavaScript development, backend programming, and automation testing.
npm simplifies installing and managing project dependencies.
Node.js adds the node command to the system PATH.
Automation frameworks such as Playwright and WebdriverIO require Node.js.
Installing Node.js is the first step in setting up a JavaScript development environment.
A correctly installed Node.js environment prepares you for building modern JavaScript applications and automation frameworks.