Node.js 20 is the current Long-Term Support (LTS) release, offering improved performance, the experimental Permissions Model, and a stable test runner. This guide installs Node.js 20 LTS on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS using the official NodeSource repository.

Tested and valid on:

  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Prerequisites

  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS server
  • A user with sudo privileges

Step 1 – Add the NodeSource Repository

Download and run the NodeSource setup script for Node.js 20:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash -

Step 2 – Install Node.js

Install from the NodeSource repo:

sudo apt install nodejs -y

Step 3 – Verify the Installation

Check Node.js and npm versions:

node --version
npm --version

Step 4 – Update npm to the Latest Version

The bundled npm may not be the latest:

sudo npm install -g npm@latest

Step 5 – Install Build Tools

Some npm packages require native compilation:

sudo apt install build-essential -y

Step 6 – Test Node.js

Create a simple test script:

echo "console.log('Node.js ' + process.version + ' running on Ubuntu 24.04')" > test.js
node test.js

Step 7 – Install Yarn (optional)

Install Yarn as an alternative package manager:

sudo npm install -g yarn
yarn --version

Conclusion

Node.js 20 LTS is now installed on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Use it to run JavaScript on the server, build REST APIs with Express.js, or create real-time applications with Socket.IO.