Node.js

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime required for many command-line AI tools and MCP servers. This guide covers installation across different platforms.

When do you need Node.js?

Anything that uses npm or node requires Node.js.

For example:

  • Claude Code - Required for the CLI tool itself (22+ LTS)
  • Gemini CLI tools - Required for most community CLI implementations (22+ LTS)
  • Running the MCP server via npm.

System Requirements

  • Operating Systems: Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+)
  • Architecture: x64, ARM64 (Apple Silicon supported)
  • Disk Space: ~50MB for Node.js, additional space for packages

Installation Methods

Recommended Version

Always install the LTS (Long Term Support) version for stability and long-term support. As of this writing, that's Node.js 22.x.

macOS Installation

  1. Download the installer:

    • Visit nodejs.org
    • Click "Download Node.js (LTS)"
    • Download the .pkg file for macOS

  2. Install Node.js:

    • Double-click the downloaded .pkg file
    • Follow the installation wizard
    • Enter your password when prompted

  3. Verify installation:

    node --version
npm --version

Option 2: Using Homebrew

If you have Homebrew installed:

# Install Node.js
brew install node

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version

Option 3: Using Version Manager

For developers who need multiple Node.js versions, use a version manager like nvm, n, fnm, volta, or asdf.

Since version managers are a matter of personal preference, consider reviewing the version manager documentation for your specific needs.

Windows Installation

  1. Download the installer:

    • Visit nodejs.org
    • Click "Download Node.js (LTS)"
    • Download the .msi file for Windows

  2. Install Node.js:

    • Run the downloaded .msi file
    • Follow the installation wizard
    • Important: Check "Add to PATH" during installation

  3. Verify installation:

    node --version
npm --version

Option 2: Using Windows Package Manager

If you have Windows Package Manager (winget):

# Install Node.js (run in PowerShell)
winget install OpenJS.NodeJS

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version

Option 3: Using Chocolatey

If you have Chocolatey installed:

# Install Node.js (run as Administrator)
choco install nodejs

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version

Linux Installation

Ubuntu/Debian

Option 1: Official Repository (Recommended)

# Download and import the Nodesource GPG key
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/gpgkey/nodesource.gpg.key | sudo apt-key add -

# Add the NodeSource repository
echo "deb https://deb.nodesource.com/node_lts.x $(lsb_release -s -c) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nodesource.list

# Update package index
sudo apt update

# Install Node.js
sudo apt install nodejs

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version

Option 2: Ubuntu's Default Repository

# Update package index
sudo apt update

# Install Node.js and npm
sudo apt install nodejs npm

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version

CentOS/RHEL/Fedora

Fedora/Recent CentOS:

# Install Node.js and npm
sudo dnf install nodejs npm

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version

Older CentOS/RHEL:

# Install Node.js and npm
sudo yum install nodejs npm

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version

Arch Linux

# Install Node.js and npm
sudo pacman -S nodejs npm

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version

Post-Installation Setup

Update npm

After installing Node.js, update npm to the latest version:

npm install -g npm@latest

Configure npm (Optional)

Set up global package installation directory to avoid permission issues:

macOS/Linux

# Create directory for global packages
mkdir ~/.npm-global

# Configure npm to use the new directory
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'

# Add to your shell profile
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc

# Reload your shell profile
source ~/.bashrc

Windows

# Create directory for global packages
mkdir "%USERPROFILE%\npm-global"

# Configure npm to use the new directory
npm config set prefix "%USERPROFILE%\npm-global"

# Add to PATH (System Properties > Environment Variables)
# Add %USERPROFILE%\npm-global to your PATH

Verification

After installation, verify everything is working correctly:

# Check Node.js version (should be 22.x LTS or higher)
node --version

# Check npm version
npm --version

# Test Node.js
node -e "console.log('Node.js is working!')"

# Test npm by installing a test package
npm install -g hello-world-npm
hello-world
npm uninstall -g hello-world-npm

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. "node: command not found"

# Check if Node.js is in PATH
which node

# If not found, add to PATH or reinstall
export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin

2. Permission errors with npm

# Fix npm permissions (avoid using sudo)
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

3. Old version installed

# Check current version
node --version

# Update Node.js (download latest installer)
# Or use version manager like nvm

4. Windows PATH issues

  • Restart Command Prompt/PowerShell after installation
  • Check PATH in System Properties > Environment Variables
  • Ensure Node.js installation directory is in PATH

Security Considerations

npm Security Best Practices

  • Regularly update npm: npm install -g npm@latest
  • Regularly update the whoisxmlapi package: npm update -g @whoisxmlapidotcom/mcp-whoisxmlapi

Next Steps

Once Node.js is installed, you can proceed with:

Getting Help

If you encounter issues:

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