When I started programming in JavaScript in early 2020 I found lots of great resources to get up and running, but they were all focused on traditional web development. It was hard to find content specifically focused on using Node.js for SEO.

Hence, I've decided to put together a series of resources for anyone that wants to start their journey in Node.js for SEO and doesn't know where to begin. Today, we are going to start with the very basics: How to install Node.js and setup your laptop for JavaScript SEO Automation.

## Node.js installation

![install Node.js](/img/node-js-guide-seo.jpg)

There are two ways to get Node.js on your machine. The simple way is just [downloading it directly from the official website](https://nodejs.org/en/) and installing it. However, there is a better, future-proof way using **Node Version Manager**.

Node.js ships a new release every few weeks, and the project now maintains two important release channels: **LTS** (recommended) and **Current** (latest features). As of late 2025, the latest **Active LTS** version is **Node 24**, while **Node 25** is the **Current** release.

![release schedule from Node.js](/img/schedule-nodejs_2025.jpg)

Official release [calendar from Node.js](https://nodejs.org/en/about/releases/)

Using a version manager ensures you can match whatever version your deployment environment supports.

### Installing Node Version Manager

Before installing NVM, uninstall any existing Node.js installation to avoid PATH conflicts.

#### macOS / Linux / WSL2

Install NVM using the official script:

```
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.3/install.sh
```

or

```
wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.3/install.sh
```

Restart your terminal so the `nvm` command becomes available.

#### Windows

Windows users can install **nvm-windows**, created by Corey Butler. Download the installer from [nvm-windows releases](https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows/releases).

Remove any previous Node installation before installing nvm-windows.

### Downloading and using Node.js through NVM

#### macOS / Linux / WSL2

Install the latest LTS version:

```
nvm install --lts
```

Install the latest Current version:

```
nvm install node
```

Use a specific version:

```
nvm use 24
```

Check:

```
node -v
npm -v
```

#### Windows (nvm-windows)

Install the latest LTS:

```powershell
nvm install lts
nvm use lts
```

Or install the latest Current:

```powershell
nvm install latest
nvm use latest
```

## Installation of your Code Editor

The easiest way to build your scripts is using a Code Editor, also known as an IDE.

My recommendation is [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/). Other options include [Sublime Text](https://www.sublimetext.com/) or [WebStorm](https://www.jetbrains.com/webstorm/). Atom was sunset in 2022 and is no longer maintained.

![visual code editor](/img/vscode-hp.jpg)

### VS Code Extensions

Below are some extensions that will make your JavaScript SEO workflow easier:

* **Bracket Pair Colorization** (built-in now, no extension required)

Enable via:

```json
"editor.bracketPairColorization.enabled": true,
"editor.guides.bracketPairs": "active"
```

* **[ESLint](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=dbaeumer.vscode-eslint)**

![eslint vs code extension example](/img/eslint.JPG)

* **[Prettier - Code Formatter](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=esbenp.prettier-vscode)**

![prettier vscode extension example](/img/the-condition.JPG)

* **[REST Client](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=humao.rest-client)**

![rest client vscode extension example](/img/rest-client.JPG)

* **[Edit csv](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=janisdd.vscode-edit-csv)**

![edit csv vscode extension example](/img/editcsv.JPG)

## Install new terminal for windows users (optional)

If you're using Windows, I recommend downloading [Git For Windows](https://gitforwindows.org/). It includes Git and a Bash emulator.

![git for windows](/img/gitforwindows.JPG)

For an even more complete Linux environment, you can install **WSL2**, which supports Node.js and NVM just like macOS/Linux.

## Create and Run your first Node.js script

Open a new terminal from VS Code.

![open terminal vscode](/img/terminal.JPG)

Create a folder:

```
mkdir first-test
```

Open it in VS Code:

```
code first-test
```

### Starting your first JavaScript file

Right-click the sidebar -> **New file** -> create `index.js`.

![new file vs code](/img/new-file.JPG)

Add the following:

```js
console.log("JavaScript rules!")
```

![node.js index file example](/img/jsrules.JPG)

Run it:

```
node index.js
```

![node.js first script](/img/first-script.JPG)

Congratulations! You've just created your first Node.js script!

If you liked this intro to Node.js or have any questions, please hit me up on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jlhernando).