How to Install ReactJS on Linux

Last Updated : 17 Mar, 2025

Installing ReactJS on a Linux system is the first step toward building dynamic, interactive web applications. ReactJS, a popular JavaScript library developed by Facebook, is widely used for creating user interfaces. Setting it up on Linux ensures a smooth development environment for building and running your React applications.

In this guide you will learn how using tools like Node.js, npm (Node Package Manager), and create-react-app, you can set up a React development environment in no time.

Note: Whether you’re using Ubuntu, Fedora, or any other Linux distribution, these steps will help you get started with React development quickly and efficiently.

Requirements

Before starting the ReactJS on Linux installation process, there are a few prerequisites that you need to have in place:

System Requirements

Linux-based operating system: Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc.
Node.js: ReactJS relies on Node.js for package management and running JavaScript code outside the browser.
npm (Node Package Manager): npm is used to install packages and dependencies required for React applications.
A terminal or command-line interface: To run the installation commands.

Required Tools and Software

Node.js: ReactJS requires Node.js to run.
npm: The Node Package Manager (npm) will help you install React and its dependencies.
Git (optional): It’s helpful if you plan to use version control or clone repositories from GitHub.

Install ReactJS on Linux (Step-by-Step Guide)

To get started, you need to install Node.js on your computer. When you do, npm (Node Package Manager) will usually be installed automatically because it comes with Node.js.

Help: If npm doesn't install automatically, you can download and install it separately from the npm website.

Step 1: Installation of Node.js

The first step in installing ReactJS is to ensure that Node.js is installed on your system. ReactJS requires Node.js to run JavaScript on the server side and handle package management.

1. Update System Package List

Open your terminal. and update the system package list.

Command: sudo apt update

Update-System-Package-List — Updating System Package List

2. Install Node.js

Now write the command in your terminal, after updating the package list.

Command: sudo apt install nodejs

3. Installation verification

You should see the version of Node.js installed on your system.

Command: node -v

Installation-verification — Installation verification

Step 2: Install npm (Node Package Manager) if not Installed

npm is the default package manager for Node.js, and it will be needed to install ReactJS and other dependencies.

1. Install npm

If npm is not installed with Node.js, install it manually.

Command: sudo apt install npm

2. Installation verification

You should see the version of npm installed on your system.

Command: npm -v

npm-Installation-Verification — Installation verification

Step 3: Install ReactJS using Create React App

Create React App is a tool that allows you to set up a React project with a single command. It sets up a modern web development environment with a good default configuration.

1. Create a new React applications

This command will create a folder called my-app with all the files and configurations required for a React project

Command: npx create-react-app my-app

2. Navigate to Your Desired Directory for the React Application

Once the installation is complete, navigate into the newly created project folder.

Command: cd my-app

3. Starting the server

Start the development server.

Command: npm start

After running the above command, the development server will start, and you can open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000 to see your React app running.

Step 4: Verifying the Installation

Once the development server is running, open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000. If everything is set up correctly, you should see the default React welcome page with a "Learn React" message. This confirms that React has been successfully installed on your Linux system.

ReactJS on Linux Alternate Method

While Create React App is the most popular way to set up a React project, there are other alternative methods available for creating a React app.

Using npx

npx is a package runner tool that comes with npm. It allows you to run commands without installing them globally on your system.

This will create a new React app in the my app folder without needing to install create-react-app globally.

Command: npx create-react-app my-app

Note: The server will start by the same command that is npm start.

Using Yarn

Yarn is an alternative package manager to npm that is faster and more reliable in some cases. If you prefer Yarn over npm, you can follow these steps to install React.

1. Yarn Installation

To install yarn write the command in your terminal which is given below-

Command: npm install --global yarn

2. Create a new React app

Create a new React app using Yarn.

Command: yarn create react-app my-app

3. Navigate to the Project Folder and Start the Development Server

Navigate to the project folder and start the server.

Command: cd my-app
Command: yarn start

ReactJS on Linux - Troubleshooting Common Issues & Errors

1. Node.js or npm not found

If you encounter the error "node: command not found" or "npm: command not found," it usually means that Node.js and npm are not installed correctly. solution is given below:-

Make sure to follow the installation steps for Node.js and npm carefully.
Try reinstalling Node.js and npm using the instructions provided above.

2. Missing dependencies or build errors

Sometimes, when installing React or running the development server, you may encounter errors related to missing dependencies or build issues. solution is given below:-

Run the following command to install the required dependencies.

Command: npm install

If you are using yarn, run:-

Command: yarn install

3. Server not running on localhost

If the React development server does not start on http://localhost:3000, you may need to check the port or firewall settings. solution for this is given below:-

Check if another process is using port 3000 by running.

Command: lsof -i :3000

If another process is using the port, stop it and try restarting your React app.

Conclusion

Installing ReactJS on Linux is a easy process with multiple methods to choose from. Whether you prefer using Create React App, Yarn, or npx, the setup steps are simple and easy to follow. Once React is installed, you’ll be ready to build fast, scalable, and dynamic web applications with ease. These methods offer flexibility, allowing you to pick the one that best fits your workflow. Start leveraging the power of React to create high-performance user interfaces and enhance your web development projects today.

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