How to install Node.js and npm on a Mac using Homebrew

Step 1. Update Homebrew

Run

brew update

It is recommended that you always update Homebrew before installing new formulae. Homebrew will also try to update automatically every time you install new formulae, but you can disable that by setting HOMEBREW_NO_AUTO_UPDATE=1.

Step 2. Install Node.js

Run

brew install node

npm will be installed together with Node.js.

Step 3. Check your installation

Run

node

This will open the Node.js REPL. Execute a sample script, e.g.

function fib(n) {
    if (n < 3) {
        return 1
    }

    return fib(n - 1) + fib(n - 2)
}

fib(18)