If you're running Debian and need the latest version of Node.js, npm, and PM2, the best way is to use NodeSourceās setup script. NodeSource maintains up-to-date versions of Node.js, which are newer than what Debianās package manager provides.
Step 1: Update and Install Required Packages
Before installing anything, update your system and install prerequisites:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y curl ca-certificates
Step 2: Install Node.js from NodeSource
Run the official setup script from NodeSource. You can choose the latest LTS (recommended) or current (cutting-edge) version.
Install the Latest LTS Version (Recommended)
bashCopyEditcurl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
- The
setup_lts.x script automatically detects your Debian version and configures the correct repository.
OR Install the Latest Current Version (More Experimental)
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_current.x | sudo -E bash -
- This installs the latest cutting-edge release instead of the stable LTS.
Now, install Node.js:
sudo apt install -y nodejs
Step 3: Verify the Installation
After installation, check the installed versions:
node -v
npm -v
Expected output (example):
20.10.0
10.2.1
(Your version may vary depending on the latest release.)
Step 4: Install PM2 (Process Manager for Node.js)
PM2 is a production process manager that helps keep your Node.js apps running in the background.
Install it globally using npm:
sudo npm install -g pm2
Verify PM2 Installation
pm2 -v
Expected output:
5.3.0
Step 5: Set PM2 to Auto-Start on System Boot
To ensure that PM2 starts your apps automatically after a reboot, run:
pm2 startup systemd
This outputs a command similar to:
sudo env PATH=$PATH:/usr/bin pm2 startup systemd -u youruser --hp /home/youruser
Run the command as shown to enable PM2 at boot.
Step 6: Test PM2 with a Sample Node.js App
To test, create a simple Node.js server:
echo 'console.log("Hello from PM2!"); setInterval(() => console.log("Running..."), 5000);' > test.js
Run the script with PM2:
pm2 start test.js --name my-test-app
pm2 status
This starts test.js and keeps it running.
Step 7: Save and Auto-Restore Running Applications
To ensure PM2 restarts all running apps after a reboot:
pm2 save
Wrap
š You now have the latest Node.js, npm, and PM2 installed on Debian!
Node.js & npm from NodeSource
PM2 to manage Node.js applications
Auto-start and persistence after reboots
Now you can deploy and manage your Node.js apps easily! š
