How to Install Node.js 16 on AlmaLinux: A Step-by-Step Guide

Node.js is a widely-used, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that empowers developers to build scalable server-side applications. The release of Node.js 16 introduced several features, including Apple M1 support, npm v7, and updated V8 JavaScript engine capabilities. AlmaLinux, a reliable and secure Linux distribution, is an excellent choice for running Node.js applications.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to install Node.js 16 on AlmaLinux, ensuring you’re equipped to start building and deploying powerful JavaScript-based applications.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Prerequisites
3. Step 1: Update Your System
4. Step 2: Install Node.js 16 from NodeSource Repository
5. Step 3: Verify Node.js and npm Installation
6. Step 4: Manage Multiple Node.js Versions with NVM
7. Step 5: Build and Run a Simple Node.js Application
8. Step 6: Enable Firewall and Security Considerations
9. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Node.js has gained immense popularity in the developer community for its ability to handle asynchronous I/O and real-time applications seamlessly. Its package manager, npm, further simplifies managing dependencies for projects. Installing Node.js 16 on AlmaLinux provides the perfect environment for modern web and backend development.

2. Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• A server running AlmaLinux with root or sudo privileges.
• Basic knowledge of the Linux command line.
• Internet access to download packages.

3. Step 1: Update Your System

Keeping your system updated ensures it has the latest security patches and a stable software environment. Run the following commands:

sudo dnf update -y
sudo dnf upgrade -y

Once the update is complete, reboot the system to apply the changes:

sudo reboot

4. Step 2: Install Node.js 16 from NodeSource Repository

AlmaLinux’s default repositories may not always include the latest Node.js versions. To install Node.js 16, we’ll use the NodeSource repository.

Step 2.1: Add the NodeSource Repository

NodeSource provides a script to set up the repository for Node.js. Download and execute the setup script for Node.js 16:

curl -fsSL https://rpm.nodesource.com/setup_16.x | sudo bash -

Step 2.2: Install Node.js

After adding the repository, install Node.js with the following command:

sudo dnf install -y nodejs

Step 2.3: Install Build Tools (Optional but Recommended)

Some Node.js packages require compilation during installation. Install the necessary build tools to avoid errors:

sudo dnf groupinstall -y "Development Tools"
sudo dnf install -y gcc-c++ make

5. Step 3: Verify Node.js and npm Installation

After installation, verify that Node.js and its package manager, npm, were successfully installed:

node -v

You should see the version of Node.js, which should be 16.x.x.

npm -v

This command will display the version of npm, which ships with Node.js.

6. Step 4: Manage Multiple Node.js Versions with NVM

If you want the flexibility to switch between different Node.js versions, the Node Version Manager (NVM) is a useful tool. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 4.1: Install NVM

Download and install NVM using the official script:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | bash

Activate NVM by sourcing the profile:

source ~/.bashrc

Step 4.2: Install Node.js 16 with NVM

With NVM installed, use it to install Node.js 16:

nvm install 16

Verify the installation:

node -v

Step 4.3: Switch Between Node.js Versions

You can list all installed Node.js versions:

nvm list

Switch to a specific version (e.g., Node.js 16):

nvm use 16

7. Step 5: Build and Run a Simple Node.js Application

Now that Node.js 16 is installed, test your setup by building and running a simple Node.js application.

Step 5.1: Create a New Project Directory

Create a new directory for your project and navigate to it:

mkdir my-node-app
cd my-node-app

Step 5.2: Initialize a Node.js Project

Run the following command to create a package.json file:

npm init -y

This file holds the project’s metadata and dependencies.

Step 5.3: Create a Simple Application

Use a text editor to create a file named app.js:

nano app.js

Add the following code:

const http = require('http');

const hostname = '127.0.0.1';
const port = 3000;

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.statusCode = 200;
  res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
  res.end('Hello, Node.js on AlmaLinux!\n');
});

server.listen(port, hostname, () => {
  console.log(`Server running at http://${hostname}:${port}/`);
});

Save and close the file.

Step 5.4: Run the Application

Run the application using Node.js:

node app.js

You should see the message:

Server running at http://127.0.0.1:3000/

Open a browser and navigate to http://127.0.0.1:3000/ to see your application in action.

8. Step 6: Enable Firewall and Security Considerations

If your server uses a firewall, ensure the necessary ports are open. For the above example, you need to open port 3000.

Open Port 3000:

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=3000/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Use a Process Manager (Optional):

For production environments, use a process manager like PM2 to manage your Node.js application. Install PM2 globally:

sudo npm install -g pm2

Start your application with PM2:

pm2 start app.js

9. Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Node.js 16 on AlmaLinux. You’ve also set up a simple Node.js application and explored how to manage multiple Node.js versions with NVM. With this setup, you’re ready to develop, test, and deploy powerful JavaScript applications on a stable AlmaLinux environment.

By following this guide, you’ve taken the first step in leveraging Node.js’s capabilities for real-time, scalable, and efficient applications. Whether you’re building APIs, single-page applications, or server-side solutions, Node.js and AlmaLinux provide a robust foundation for your projects. Happy coding!