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Install Node.js

Install Node.js and npm, the only software you need before creating your first CamelMind site.

Before you create your first CamelMind site, install Node.js.

NO need to worry if you have never used Node.js before—you do not need to learn JavaScript or understand how it works. Think of it as the engine powering CamelMind behind the scenes.

Once you install Node.js, you have everything you need to create, preview, and publish your documentation site.

Understanding the role of Node.js in CamelMind

Node.js serves as the core runtime environment that enables your local machine to execute JavaScript applications outside of a web browser.

Next.js powers CamelMind and relies on Node.js to:

  • Create a new CamelMind site
  • Preview your documentation locally while you edit
  • Build your site for production deployment

You do not need to write JavaScript to use CamelMind—just install Node.js once, and CamelMind handles the rest.

Understanding npm and package management

When you install Node.js, your system automatically receives npm (Node Package Manager).

npm downloads and manages the software packages that CamelMind requires. Throughout this documentation, you will run standard npm commands such as:

bash
npm install
npm run dev

These commands install your project dependencies and launch the local development server.

Note

CamelMind also supports package managers such as pnpm and Yarn. If you are just starting out, stick with npm—Node.js includes it by default, requiring no additional setup.

Installing Node.js on your operating system

Select your operating system below and install the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version of Node.js:

Download the LTS installer from nodejs.org and follow the installation wizard.

If you use Homebrew, install Node.js directly from the Terminal:

bash
brew install node
Tip

Always select the LTS (Long-Term Support) release. It provides maximum stability, and the CamelMind team tests all releases against it.

Verifying your Node.js and npm installation

Confirm that your terminal recognizes Node.js and npm by running:

bash
node --version
npm --version

If both commands return a version number, your setup is complete.

CamelMind requires Node.js 20 or later.

Tip

If your terminal returns a command not found error, restart your terminal and try again. If the issue continues, reinstall Node.js using the installer above.

Frequently asked questions about Node.js

Do I need to know JavaScript?

No. CamelMind uses Markdown and MDX for content creation. Node.js simply executes the underlying tools that build and serve your site.

Do I need to install npm separately?

No. Node.js installs npm automatically during setup.

Should I install pnpm or Yarn instead?

Not unless you already use them. npm works perfectly and offers the simplest path for new users.

Can I install multiple versions of Node.js?

Yes. If you work on multiple JavaScript projects, consider a version manager such as nvm (macOS/Linux) or fnm (cross-platform). For most users, installing the latest LTS version satisfies all requirements.

Next step: Proceed to CamelMind Installation

Now that you have installed Node.js, your computer is ready to run CamelMind. Continue to the Installation guide to create your first documentation site.

What the AI sees

1> For a complete documentation index, see /llms.txt. To read any public page as Markdown, append .md to the URL.
2 
3Before you create your first CamelMind site, install **Node.js**.
4 
5NO need to worry if you have never used Node.js before—you do not need to learn JavaScript or understand how it works. Think of it as the engine powering CamelMind behind the scenes.
6 
7Once you install Node.js, you have everything you need to create, preview, and publish your documentation site.
8 
9---
10 
11## Understanding the role of Node.js in CamelMind
12 
13Node.js serves as the core runtime environment that enables your local machine to execute JavaScript applications outside of a web browser.
14 
15Next.js powers CamelMind and relies on Node.js to:
16 
17- Create a new CamelMind site
18- Preview your documentation locally while you edit
19- Build your site for production deployment
20 
21You do not need to write JavaScript to use CamelMind—just install Node.js once, and CamelMind handles the rest.
22 
23---
24 
25## Understanding npm and package management
26 
27When you install Node.js, your system automatically receives **npm** (Node Package Manager).
28 
29npm downloads and manages the software packages that CamelMind requires. Throughout this documentation, you will run standard npm commands such as:
30 
31```bash
32npm install
33npm run dev
34```
35 
36These commands install your project dependencies and launch the local development server.
37 
38<Callout type="note">
39CamelMind also supports package managers such as **pnpm** and **Yarn**. If you are just starting out, stick with **npm**—Node.js includes it by default, requiring no additional setup.
40</Callout>
41 
42---
43 
44## Installing Node.js on your operating system
45 
46Select your operating system below and install the latest **LTS (Long-Term Support)** version of Node.js:
47 
48<Tabs>
49<Tab label="macOS">
50 
51Download the **LTS** installer from [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/) and follow the installation wizard.
52 
53If you use Homebrew, install Node.js directly from the Terminal:
54 
55```bash
56brew install node
57```
58 
59</Tab>
60 
61<Tab label="Windows">
62 
63Download the **LTS** installer from [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/) and run the setup wizard using default settings.
64 
65</Tab>
66 
67<Tab label="Linux">
68 
69Install Node.js using your distribution's package manager, or set it up with **nvm** (recommended if you work on multiple JavaScript projects):
70 
71```bash
72curl -o- [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh) | bash
73nvm install --lts
74```
75 
76</Tab>
77</Tabs>
78 
79<Callout type="tip">
80Always select the **LTS (Long-Term Support)** release. It provides maximum stability, and the CamelMind team tests all releases against it.
81</Callout>
82 
83---
84 
85## Verifying your Node.js and npm installation
86 
87Confirm that your terminal recognizes Node.js and npm by running:
88 
89```bash
90node --version
91npm --version
92```
93 
94If both commands return a version number, your setup is complete.
95 
96CamelMind requires **Node.js 20 or later**.
97 
98<Callout type="tip">
99If your terminal returns a `command not found` error, restart your terminal and try again. If the issue continues, reinstall Node.js using the installer above.
100</Callout>
101 
102---
103 
104## Frequently asked questions about Node.js
105 
106<Details summary="Do I need to know JavaScript?" id="need-to-know-js">
107 
108No. CamelMind uses Markdown and MDX for content creation. Node.js simply executes the underlying tools that build and serve your site.
109 
110</Details>
111 
112<Details summary="Do I need to install npm separately?" id="need-npm">
113 
114No. Node.js installs npm automatically during setup.
115 
116</Details>
117 
118<Details summary="Should I install pnpm or Yarn instead?" id="need-install-pnpm">
119 
120Not unless you already use them. npm works perfectly and offers the simplest path for new users.
121 
122</Details>
123 
124<Details summary="Can I install multiple versions of Node.js?" id="multiple-versions-node">
125 
126Yes. If you work on multiple JavaScript projects, consider a version manager such as **nvm** (macOS/Linux) or **fnm** (cross-platform). For most users, installing the latest LTS version satisfies all requirements.
127 
128</Details>
129 
130---
131 
132## Next step: Proceed to CamelMind Installation
133 
134Now that you have installed Node.js, your computer is ready to run CamelMind. Continue to the [Installation](/getting-started/installation) guide to create your first documentation site.

Issues (1)

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