How to Install React on Ubuntu 26.04 and 24.04

To install React on Ubuntu 26.04 or 24.04, create a React project with Vite and install its dependencies with npm. React is a JavaScript library for building interactive interfaces; Vite supplies the local development server and build tools.

React belongs to each project, not to Ubuntu as a system-wide application. Follow the steps below to set up Node.js, run a starter app and make a production build. If you need help, leave a comment or contact us.

1. Set Up Node.js and npm

Node.js runs the development tools, and npm installs the packages they need. If you already have both, check them first:

node --version
npm --version
command -v node
command -v npm

Vite currently requires Node.js 20.19+ or 22.12+, and individual templates can require more. Node 20 has reached upstream end of life, so choose a supported LTS release that meets the current Vite requirements. Node.js 26 and 24 are LTS as of November 2026. Ubuntu 24.04’s default Node.js 18 package is too old for current Vite. If your existing version is compatible, skip to the project section.

For a new development setup, nvm installs Node.js for your user and lets you switch versions without replacing system packages. The full Node.js installation guide also covers Ubuntu packages and managing versions.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install curl ca-certificates libatomic1

nvm_installer=$(mktemp) && curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.8/install.sh -o "$nvm_installer" && less "$nvm_installer"

bash "$nvm_installer"

rm -- "$nvm_installer"

command -v nvm
nvm install --lts
node --version
npm --version

2. Create a React Project

cd ~
npm create vite@latest react-demo -- --template react

cd ~/react-demo && npm install

npm run dev

3. Edit and Verify Your App

Open ~/react-demo/src/App.jsx in a text editor, such as Visual Studio Code. Replace its contents with this small component and save it:

export default function App() {
  return <h1>Hello from Ubuntu!</h1>
}

With the development server running, the browser should update and show Hello from Ubuntu! The file contains JSX, a syntax that lets React describe what appears on the page. If you stopped the server, return to the project directory and run npm run dev again.

To check the installed React packages, open a second terminal and run the commands below. Alternatively, stop the development server with Ctrl+C and use the same terminal.

cd ~/react-demo && npm ls react react-dom

4. Build for Production

Stop the development server with Ctrl+C, then build and preview the optimized files locally:

npm run build && npm run preview

A successful build writes static files to dist/. Open the local address printed by the preview command, then press Ctrl+C to stop it. Vite preview is a local check, not a production server. Deploy the contents of dist/ to a suitable static host; subdirectory deployments and client-side routes may need host configuration. See Vite static deployment.

This starter is a client-side app. React recommends a framework for many new production apps; routing, data loading and server rendering require additional decisions. See React’s framework guidance.

Do not put passwords, private API keys or other secrets in client-side code or VITE_ variables: they can be included in files sent to visitors. Keep private operations on a trusted server.

Troubleshooting

Update or Remove the Project

Run npm outdated and npm audit inside the project to review available updates and reported vulnerabilities. Review changes and test your app before upgrading; do not run a forced audit fix blindly. Keep Node and dependencies supported.

To remove this practice app, stop its server and back up anything you want to keep. Open your file manager, find react-demo in your home folder and move that folder to Trash. This removes the project and its local packages; it does not remove Node.js, nvm or other projects. Restore it from Trash if needed.

Helpful Resources

Continue with the React Quick Start and the Node.js release schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related guide: Install a LEMP stack on Ubuntu.