Setting Up a Terminal for Windows Users

In this tutorial, we will guide you through setting up a terminal for Windows users, which is essential for working effectively with Node.js and NPM. Windows users often face unique challenges when setting up a command line environment, but with the right tools and configurations, you can create a setup that feels just as powerful as a Unix-based system. This tutorial was created in 2016, and we have included important updates to reflect modern best practices.

Step 1: Choosing Your Terminal

The default command prompt in Windows is limited in functionality, which can make it cumbersome to work with for Node.js development. To create a better experience, we recommend using a more versatile terminal such as Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Git Bash.

Critical Update (2024): Since 2019, Microsoft has introduced Windows Terminal, which has become the go-to terminal for developers working on Windows. It features multiple tabs, customizable profiles, and integration with PowerShell and WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux).

Installing Windows Terminal

1. Install from Microsoft Store: The easiest way to get Windows Terminal is through the Microsoft Store. Simply search for "Windows Terminal" and click install.
2. Configuration: Once installed, you can customize the appearance, fonts, and key bindings by editing the settings.json file in Windows Terminal.

If you prefer a simpler terminal, Git Bash is another popular option, especially if you're already using Git for version control.

Step 2: Installing Node.js and NPM

With the terminal set up, the next step is to install Node.js and NPM. These tools are essential for running JavaScript outside the browser and managing the dependencies of your projects.

1. Download the Installer: Visit Node.js official website and download the recommended LTS (Long Term Support) version for stability.
2. Run the Installer: Follow the prompts to install Node.js and NPM. Make sure to check the box that says "Add to PATH" during the installation process.
3. Verify the Installation: Open your terminal and type:

   node -v
   npm -v
   

   These commands will display the versions of Node.js and NPM, confirming that the installation was successful.

Critical Update (2024): As of now, the recommended way to manage multiple versions of Node.js is to use Node Version Manager (nvm) for Windows. This allows you to easily switch between different versions of Node.js, which is very useful for managing different projects.

Step 3: Configuring the Terminal for Node.js Development

Once Node.js and NPM are installed, it's helpful to configure your terminal for efficient use:

• Add Aliases: You can add aliases to your terminal configuration file to make frequently used commands shorter. For example, adding an alias for npm start can save time.

  • For Git Bash, you can add aliases in the .bashrc file.
  • For PowerShell, you can add them in the $PROFILE script.

• Install Useful Packages: Use NPM to install globally useful packages such as npm-check-updates to keep your dependencies current, and nodemon to automatically restart your server during development.

Example: Adding Aliases in Git Bash

To add an alias in Git Bash, open your .bashrc file using:

nano ~/.bashrc

Add the following line to create an alias for starting your application:

alias startapp="npm start"

Save and close the file, then run:

source ~/.bashrc

Now you can use startapp in your terminal instead of typing npm start every time.

Conclusion

Setting up a terminal environment for Windows is a crucial first step in becoming comfortable with Node.js development. By choosing the right terminal, installing Node.js and NPM, and configuring the environment to your liking, you can significantly improve your development workflow.

Remember to use Windows Terminal for a modern, efficient experience, and consider using tools like nvm to manage multiple Node.js versions. These small optimizations will make your journey into JavaScript and full stack development much smoother.