Node.js is a fast and scalable JavaScript runtime used to build APIs, web applications, real-time services, and automation tools. The latest Long-Term Support (LTS) version is recommended for production VPS servers because it receives regular security updates and long-term maintenance.
Requirements
- Ubuntu 24.04 VPS
- Root or sudo privileges
- SSH access
Step 1 — Update Your Server
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -yStep 2 — Install Required Packages
sudo apt install curl ca-certificates -yStep 3 — Add the NodeSource Repository
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -Step 4 — Install Node.js
sudo apt install nodejs -yStep 5 — Verify Installation
Check the installed Node.js version:
node -vExample output:
v22.x.xCheck the installed npm version:
npm -vStep 6 — Create a Test Application
mkdir myapp
cd myapp
nano app.jsAdd the following code:
console.log("Hello from VPS For Life!");Save the file and run it:
node app.jsYou should see:
Hello from VPS For Life!Step 7 — Update npm (Optional)
sudo npm install -g npm@latestUseful Commands
node -v
npm -v
npm install
npm update
npm uninstall package-name
npm listInstall PM2 for Production
PM2 helps keep Node.js applications running continuously.
sudo npm install -g pm2Check the version:
pm2 -vStart your application:
pm2 start app.jsEnable PM2 to start automatically after reboot:
pm2 startup
pm2 saveBest Practices
- Use the latest LTS version of Node.js.
- Run applications with PM2 in production.
- Keep npm packages updated regularly.
- Avoid running applications as the root user.
- Use Nginx as a reverse proxy for better security and performance.
Conclusion
Node.js 22 LTS provides excellent performance, security, and stability for modern web applications. Combined with Nginx and PM2, it creates a reliable environment for hosting APIs, websites, and backend services on your VPS.
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