How to Set Up Node.js for Running an Ethereum Smart Contract Project on Windows

Running Ethereum-based projects (such as smart-home DApps) requires a properly configured Node.js environment. This post documents step-by-step how the setup was completed on Windows, including verification of all installed tools.

1. Problem Encountered

When attempting to run Ethereum-related commands, the following error appeared:

bash: node: command not found

This indicates that Node.js was either not installed or not available in the system PATH.

2. Installing Chocolatey (Windows Package Manager)

Chocolatey is a package manager that simplifies software installation on Windows.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

  • Press Start
  • Search for PowerShell
  • Right-click → Run as Administrator

Step 2: Install Chocolatey

Run the Chocolatey installation script in PowerShell. Make sure to run PowerShell as Administrator and follow the prompts.

Step 3: Verify Chocolatey Installation

Restart the terminal and check:

choco -v

3. Installing Node.js (LTS Version)

The LTS (Long-Term Support) version of Node.js is recommended for blockchain and Ethereum development.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Run PowerShell as Administrator and type:

choco install nodejs-lts -y

If prompted: Do you want to continue? [Y/N] → Type Y

4. Verifying Node.js and npm Installation

After installation, close and reopen the terminal. Run:

node -v
npm -v

Expected output (example):

v20.x.x
10.x.x

5. Navigating to the Ethereum Project Directory

Move to your Ethereum project folder:

cd ~/Documents/ethereum-smarthome/smart-home-ethereum

List project files:

ls

6. Installing Project Dependencies

Install required dependencies listed in package.json:

npm install

7. Testing the Ethereum Smart Contract Setup

Compile Smart Contracts

npx hardhat compile

Run Local Ethereum Node

npx hardhat node

8. Common Issues and Fixes

Issue Solution
node: command not found Restart terminal, confirm PATH
Chocolatey permission error Run PowerShell as Administrator
npm install fails Delete node_modules and retry

Final Confirmation

After completing all steps, confirm Node.js, npm, and Hardhat are working correctly:

node -v
npm -v
npx hardhat compile
npx hardhat node
Final successful install verification

Final successful install verification

10. Conclusion

This guide demonstrated how to:

  • Install Chocolatey
  • Install Node.js (LTS)
  • Verify Node.js and npm
  • Prepare an Ethereum development environment on Windows

This setup enables local development, testing, and deployment of Ethereum smart contracts in a reliable and reproducible manner.

📌 Tips for Blogger:

  • Click Insert Image → Upload from computer
  • Use center alignment and medium/large size
  • Add captions using italics for clarity

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From DSRC to 5G NR-V2X: The Road Ahead for Connected Vehicles

Modern vehicles are no longer just machines on wheels. Through Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication , they are becoming active participants in intelligent transport systems, enabling safer driving, smoother traffic, and progress toward automation. DSRC: The First Step The earliest V2X technology was Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) , based on IEEE 802.11p. Operating in the 5.9 GHz band , it allowed onboard units (OBUs) in vehicles to exchange safety and infotainment data with roadside units (RSUs) . While DSRC was effective for short-range messaging, it faced limits in coverage, data rate, and quality of service (QoS) . These challenges motivated researchers to explore new solutions. D2D and the Cellular Shift A key breakthrough came with Device-to-Device (D2D) communication , where vehicles exchange information directly without always relying on infrastructure. This reduces latency, eases network congestion, and helps maintain reliability in crow...
Read more

CTE 311: ENGINEER IN SOCIETY: CURRICULUM (20/21 SESSION)

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: On completion of this module, the student should be able to: 1. Understand the historical development of engineering and technology. 2. Know the cadres and pyramidal structure of the engineering family. 3. Understand roles of engineering personnel in the society. 4. Know the engineering professional associations in Nigeria. 5. Understand importance and process of engineering professional registration in Nigeria. 1.1 Identify, describe, technology and engineering in ancient Egypt, Rome, China, Europe, America 1.2 State developments from military to Civil Engineering . 1.3 State the industrial Revolution in England and its spread to Europe, Asia and Africa. 1.4 State Mo dern technology and eng ineering. 2.1 Identify the various cadres o f the engineering family . 2.2 State the ideal ratio of the different cadres of engineering personnel required for an engineering project team. 2.3 Identify the various engineering discipline. 2.4 Identify the pyramidal structure ...
Read more

🔹 Is Qualitative Data Always Primary Data?

Image
🔹 Is Qualitative Data Always Primary Data? Insights from Stroke Care and IoV Research Understanding stroke care isn’t just about what happens — it’s about why it matters . In our recent research, we use a mix of sensor data , patient feedback , and AI-driven IoV analytics to capture the full story ( Saad, Jamshed, Adedamola, Nauman, & Kim, 2025 ). 📄 Click here to view the full paper 🧠 Primary vs. Secondary Data Primary data → Data you collect yourself (interviews, observations, or IoV sensor readings). Secondary data → Data collected by someone else (published reports, case studies, open datasets). For example, if we interview stroke patients or observe IoV interactions , that’s primary qualitative data . But if we analyze existing case reports or published interviews , that’s secondary . “The last decade has witnessed considerable growth in the development of qualitative research... yet this is an area on which most researchers require some guid...
Read more