JupyterLab requires Node.js for certain extensions to work. Install Node.js to resolve build or compatibility errors.
Problem
When you launch or install JupyterLab extensions you see:
csharp
Build recommended, but Node.js is missing, so build skipped.
or
javascript
Error: Could not determine JupyterLab build status without Node.js
This is because JupyterLab uses Node.js to build or install some frontend extensions.
Solution
Step 1: Install Node.js
If Node.js is not installed, install it using the recommended method for your OS. For example, via NVM:
nvm install --ltsnvm use --lts
Or install via package manager:
Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install nodejs npm
macOS (Homebrew):
brew install node
Step 2: Verify Installation
node -v
npm -v
Make sure Node.js is installed and the version is available globally.
Also Read: How To Use Node JS API in 2025
Step 3: Rebuild JupyterLab
Once Node.js is available, rebuild JupyterLab:
jupyter lab build
Step 4: Optional – Install Node.js in Virtual Environment
If you’re using Conda:
conda install -c conda-forge nodejs
Conclusion
JupyterLab needs Node.js to build and manage frontend extensions. Installing Node.js and running jupyter lab build fixes this error in a snap.
