Homebrew → open-source package manager for macOS and Linux that simplifies installing and managing software
Node.js (includes npm + npx)→ JavaScript runtime environment that allows you to execute JavaScript code outside of a web browser (run on local server, ex. localhost:3000)
https://nodejs.org/en/download
Node Package Manager (npm) → the default package manager for Node.js, used to install, manage, and share reusable code packages, project dependencies
Node Package Execute (npx) → used for running Node.js packages directly without permanently installing them on your system, npx comes bundled with npm versions 5.2.0 and later
https://docs.npmjs.com/cli/v8/commands/npx
use Homebrew to install Node.js on macOS from terminal
brew install node
check versions
node -v
npm -v
npx -v
npm vs. npx - not required for course - open to learn morenpm init react-app / npm create-react-app are deprecated but sufficient for the course - open to learn more