Table of Contents

1. What is Node.js?
2. Key Features of Node.js
3. Creating a Basic Node.js Application
4. Conclusion

What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform runtime environment for executing JavaScript code outside a web browser. It is built on the V8 JavaScript runtime and uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient. Node.js is commonly used to build scalable network applications, and it has become increasingly popular for server-side web development. It enables developers to use JavaScript for both client-side and server-side scripting.

Key Features of Node.js

• Asynchronous and Event-Driven: Node.js uses asynchronous programming, allowing for handling multiple requests without blocking the execution of other code.
• Single-Threaded but Highly Scalable: It uses a single-threaded event loop for handling multiple client requests, making it highly scalable.
• Cross-Platform: Node.js runs on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for development.
• Extensive Module Library: Node.js provides a rich library of modules that simplifies the development of web applications.

Creating a Basic Node.js Application

To create a basic Node.js application, follow these steps:

Step 1: Install Node.js

First, ensure that Node.js is installed on your system. If not, download and install it from nodejs.org.

Step 2: Create a JavaScript File

Create a file named app.js and write the following code:

// app.js
const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.writeHead(200, {'Content-Type': 'text/plain'});
  res.end('Hello, World!\n');
});

server.listen(3000, '127.0.0.1', () => {
  console.log('Server running at http://127.0.0.1:3000/');
});

Step 3: Run the Application

Open a terminal, navigate to the directory where app.js is located, and run the following command:

node app.js

Step 4: Test the Application

Open a web browser and navigate to http://127.0.0.1:3000/. You should see “Hello, World!” displayed on the page.

Conclusion

Node.js is a powerful platform for building scalable network applications. Its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model and extensive module library make it a compelling choice for developers. By leveraging JavaScript on both the client and server sides, Node.js streamlines the development process and allows for seamless integration between the two. Get started with Node.js today and explore its capabilities for modern web development.

Feel free to explore more about Node.js on the official website nodejs.org.