Guide · Open source
How to use distributions: NodeSource Node.js packages on Linux
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
The nodesource/distributions repository holds the setup scripts NodeSource uses to publish Node.js binary packages for Linux distributions. This guide explains what the project is, who it suits, and what the provided README does and does not tell you. The README is very short and points to older documentation, so this page is honest about where the details are missing.
NodeSource Distributionsnodesource/distributions · ★ 13.9k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Confirm your system. Check that you are on a Linux system that uses apt or yum and that you have root or sudo access.
- 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/nodesource/distributions to download the project.
- 3Open the old documentation. Read DEV_README.md in the cloned folder, since the main README links to it.
- 4Follow the documented steps. Carry out the steps in DEV_README.md on your Linux system, checking them against your distribution.
- 5Verify the result. Confirm the installed Node.js version works on your system before relying on it.
What is the nodesource/distributions repository?
The repository contains the scripts NodeSource uses to build and publish Node.js binary packages for Linux distributions. It is written in Shell and released under the MIT licence.
The goal is to install the Node.js runtime on Linux through a system package manager. The project description and topics point to this use.
- Language: Shell
- Licence: MIT
- Homepage: https://nodesource.com
Who should use it, and who should not?
This project fits Linux users who want a Node.js version installed through their system package manager, server admins setting up Node.js on Debian or Ubuntu style systems, and developers who need a specific Node.js major version on Linux.
It is not a fit for macOS or Windows users, because the description refers to Linux packages and the README does not list other platforms. It is also not a fit if you want the latest Node.js with no setup, since the README does not explain how versions are chosen.
- Good fit: Linux users who prefer apt or yum installs
- Good fit: server admins on Debian or Ubuntu style systems
- Not a fit: macOS or Windows users
- Not a fit: anyone who needs detailed README instructions, as the README only links to older documentation
What you need before you start
The source lists a Linux system with an apt or yum package manager as the prerequisite, along with root or sudo access. Check these before you begin.
The provided README does not describe any other requirements, so do not assume more than this.
- A Linux system with apt or yum
- Root or sudo access
Clone the repository
The README's only install command clones the repository from GitHub. Run it in the directory where you want the project files to live.
The README does not explain what to run after cloning, so the next steps depend on the old documentation it links to.
git clone https://github.com/nodesource/distributionsFind the detailed instructions
The README points to DEV_README.md as the old documentation. Open that file in the cloned repository to find the usage details that this README leaves out.
Because that file is older, check it against your own system before running any commands it describes.
- Open DEV_README.md in the cloned folder
- Confirm any commands match your distribution and package manager
Comparable tools to consider
If you want a different way to manage Node.js, such as per-user version switching, look at tools that are commonly compared with this project. The source lists nvm, fnm and volta as comparable projects.
This source does not compare them in detail, so choose based on your own needs.
- nvm
- fnm
- volta
What people use it for
- Installing a Node.js major version on a Debian or Ubuntu style server through the system package manager
- Setting up Node.js on Linux machines managed with apt or yum
- Providing a consistent Node.js runtime on Linux systems that an admin maintains
Frequently asked questions
Is nodesource/distributions free to use?
The project is released under the MIT licence, according to its repository details. The source does not describe any paid tiers, so the licence is the only licensing information provided.
What are the requirements for nodesource distributions?
The source lists a Linux system with an apt or yum package manager, plus root or sudo access. The provided README does not describe other requirements.
Does nodesource distributions work on macOS or Windows?
The description refers to Linux packages and the README does not list other platforms, so it is not designed for macOS or Windows based on this source. Use a different tool on those systems.
How do I install Node.js with nodesource distributions?
The README only shows how to clone the repository with git clone. It links to DEV_README.md for the detailed instructions, which this source does not reproduce.
What is the alternative to nodesource distributions?
The source lists nvm, fnm and volta as comparable projects. They are different tools, so pick based on whether you want system packages or per-user version management.
Why is the README so short?
The provided README is very short and mostly points to an older DEV_README.md. Read that file for the usage details that this README does not show.
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Our verdict
Linux users and server admins who want Node.js installed through apt or yum, and who are comfortable reading older documentation, may find this project useful. If you use macOS or Windows, or want the latest Node.js with no setup, pick a different tool such as nvm, fnm or volta.
Install options & downloads