Talk:Installing Node

Best Practices
You are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to install Node on a platform that actually mirrors your deployment platform. If you are deploying on Ubuntu for instance you should consider using a Ubunto VM, dual boot system, or remote server.

While Node does "Work" under Windows and Cygwin, you are guaranteed to have problems and - probably more importantly - won't have the wonderful Linux/OS utilities at your disposal to bridge to, making your apps a lot more work to maintain.

Macintosh OSX, being based on Unix, is actually passable. But while you are VERY LIKELY to not deal with issues under MacOSX that relate to your ultimate deployment platform, you are of course GUARANTEED to not have to deal with wasted time and issues if you develop on the same platform you deploy to.

Also there is the issue of support - Most Node people do not use Windows - therefore, most Node.js people are not able to help you when you run into Windows issues. (Most != all.) So if you go onto the nodejs channel and don't feel like you are getting help, or feel like you are recieving undeserved hostility (though in fairness, people that ask for help never deserve hostility) it is because the community gets a lot of questions it simply can't address because people don't follow "Best Node Practices."

I personally got a Ubuntu laptop running for $350 in a day and found it a SPLENDID platform, even in contrast to a MacOSX. Most application installs are either one line console commands or one click operations; that makes them a LOT simpler than Windows installs and as easy or easier than an OSX install. Even if $350 is a dealbreaker for you, unless you have real probems finding spare space on your hard drive, a dual boot system is free.

And lastly, cloud servers like no.de exist for those who are not as invested and just want to give Node a spin.

67.180.33.228 14:52, April 7, 2011 (UTC)