Install Node.js

Node.js is required for React, Next.js, and Node-based backends. Install the LTS version for stability.

1. Download the LTS version from nodejs.org.
2. Run the installer. Ensure that npm is included (it is by default).
3. Verify: node --version and npm --version in a terminal.
4. In the project folder, run npm install to install dependencies. Use npm run start or npm run dev as per the README.

For React or frontend-only projects, ensure you have the correct Node version (e.g. 18+) as specified in the project documentation.