# MERNSnippet: How To (Node.js)
---
## Node.js fundamentals

Node.js is a cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment.

### Setup a Node.js development environment
- Install Node.js and the Node Package Manager (npm). All packages are available at [nodejs.dev/download/](https://nodejs.dev/download/). <br />
- Install IDE (Integrated Development Environment) or texteditor. For example, [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/download), [Notepad++](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/). <br />

Test your installation through your **Terminal** by running these commands:<br />
```
 > node -v
```
```
 > npm -v
```
