Setting up Node.js involves installing Node.js itself, configuring your development environment, and ensuring you have the necessary tools to start coding.

Step 1: Download and Install Node.js

1. Go to the official Node.js website → https://nodejs.org
2. Choose the right version:
   • LTS (Long-Term Support) – Recommended for most users, especially for production.
   • Current – Latest features but might be unstable.
3. Download and install the appropriate version for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
4. Verify installation by running the following commands in your terminal or command prompt:

   node -v  # Check Node.js version
   npm -v   # Check npm (Node Package Manager) version
   

Step 2: Install a Code Editor (Optional, but Recommended)

A good code editor makes development easier. Some popular choices:

• VS Code (Recommended) – Download
• Sublime Text
• Atom

If using VS Code, install the "Node.js Extension Pack" for a better experience.

Step 3: Initialize a Node.js Project

1. Create a new project folder:

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

2. Initialize a Node.js project:

   npm init -y
   

   This creates a package.json file that stores project information and dependencies.

Step 4: Install Dependencies

Install packages using npm (Node Package Manager). Example:

npm install express  # Installs Express.js for building web applications

List installed packages:

npm list

Step 5: Create and Run a Simple Node.js Script

1. Create a file app.js and add:

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

2. Run the script:

   node app.js
   

Step 6: Set Up a Basic Web Server (Optional)

Create a simple HTTP server using Node.js:

const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
    res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'text/plain' });
    res.end('Hello, Node.js Server!');
});

server.listen(3000, () => {
    console.log('Server running at http://localhost:3000');
});

Run the server:

node app.js

Open your browser and visit http://localhost:3000.

Step 7: Use Nodemon for Auto-Restart (Optional)

Instead of restarting the server manually after every change, install nodemon:

npm install -g nodemon

Run your app with:

nodemon app.js

Step 8: Explore More!

• Learn about Express.js for web apps.
• Use MongoDB or MySQL for databases.
• Try REST APIs and real-time applications.