I'm currently working through a coding curriculum and have hit a snag while trying to run a test in JavaScript on Windows. I'm at exercise 01, focusing on data types and conditionals, and when I try to execute the command 'npm test helloWorld.spec.js' in the VS Code terminal, I encounter an error. It says that scripts are disabled on my system, pointing to a file in the Node.js directory. The error message includes a link to learn more about execution policies. I'd love some help on how to get past this issue!
9 Answers
I recommend using WSL2. It can make your Windows experience much closer to Linux, which is really helpful for coding tasks like this.
Have you thought about dual-booting with Linux? Once you get used to it, you might never want to go back to Windows, unless you need specific software like Photoshop.
I had similar issues before. I switched to using Bash as my default terminal, and it made a world of difference! PowerShell can be tricky for coding.
Have you done a quick Google search for that error? It’s super common, and you’ll find plenty of solutions online.
On a different note, since I also do the course and use WSL, I find it gives great flexibility—it's a solid choice for any beginner!
Consider setting up "Git Bash" as your default terminal in VS Code. It provides a more Linux-like environment and can avoid a lot of the issues you're facing with PowerShell. Also, WSL is a great option for a full Linux experience on Windows, which can be very useful for development.
That link in the error message probably has the answer you're looking for. Give it a read—it might save you a lot of time.
You should really take a closer look at the error message you're getting. It actually provides a link to helpful resources about execution policies. If you read it and still have questions, try to rephrase what isn’t clear for more targeted advice.
The reason the course suggests avoiding Windows is that it complicates things with terminal commands and the coding environment. If you’re sticking with the course, definitely set up WSL; it’ll make your life much easier as you continue your learning journey.

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