> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://node-girls.gitbook.io/intro-to-express/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://node-girls.gitbook.io/intro-to-express/intro-to-backend-development-with-node.js/tutorial/step-2-installing-express.md).

# Step 2: Installing Express

Before we write any code, you'll need to install the Express library. We're going to use the [**Node Package Manager (npm)**](https://www.npmjs.com/)to download it using the **`npm install`** command.

NPM is the place to go to download other Node code written by other people. There are thousands of open-source, 3rd-party Node modules (also known as "packages") by other people that you can download and use in your own projects.

As we install Express, we'll need to update the `package.json` to add Express as a dependency. We do this so that other people working on the project will know to install Express before running any of the code. This can be done by adding **`--save`** to the end of your command.

**Run the following command in your terminal:**<br>

{% code title="Command line" %}

```bash
$ npm install express --save
```

{% endcode %}

Express should now be installed. Check your `package.json` file to make sure it has been added as a dependency. It will look something like this:

![](https://3020657003-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LHS9G5i_yavH_76PUdz%2F-LHS9ZE18ugK9klBmojD%2F-LHSSROh8WBaH7eUiYet%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=7e53e5b2-135b-4fb3-aadf-ac3efbd71188)