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Bearsampp includes Node.js so you can run JavaScript on the server side, use npm to manage packages, and run build tools like Webpack or Vite — all without installing Node.js separately on your machine. Node.js is a standalone tool in Bearsampp rather than a Windows service, which means it does not start or stop in the background; it runs only when you invoke it directly.

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What is included

Each Node.js version in Bearsampp bundles:
  • The node executable
  • npm (Node Package Manager)
  • An npmrc configuration file for npm settings

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Opening the Node.js console

The fastest way to run Node.js commands in Bearsampp is through the built-in console, which launches a command prompt with Node.js and npm already on the PATH:
1

Open the Node.js console

Right-click the tray icon → Node.js → Console.
2

Run your commands

Type node --version to confirm the active version, then run any node or npm command you need.
You can also use the Git console (tray → Git → Git console) to run npm commands. It has Node.js on its PATH as well, and it gives you Git integration in the same window.

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Switching Node.js versions

Bearsampp supports multiple Node.js versions. To switch:
1

Open the versions menu

Right-click the tray icon → Node.js → Versions.
2

Select a version

Click the version you need. Bearsampp updates the active Node.js symlink so any new console you open uses the selected version.
Switching the Node.js version does not affect any already-open console windows. Close and reopen the console after switching to pick up the new version.

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npm configuration

npm reads its configuration from the npmrc file bundled with each Node.js version:
You can also use a project-level .npmrc file in your project root, or a user-level one at ~/.npmrc. npm merges settings from all three locations.

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Running Node.js scripts

You can run any Node.js script from the console or integrate Node.js into your project workflow:
If your project has a package.json, run npm install first to install dependencies, then use whichever npm run scripts your project defines.

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Common use cases

Install a package globally

Open the Node.js console and run npm install -g package-name.

Run a build tool

Navigate to your project folder and run npm run build or npx webpack.

Start a dev server

Run npm run dev or node server.js to start a local Node.js HTTP server.

Manage dependencies

Use npm install, npm update, and npm uninstall to manage your project’s node_modules.

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