What is Node.js

Node.js, an open-source and cross-platform runtime environment, is built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine, designed for executing JavaScript code outside of a web browser.

Node.js Introduction

  1. Node.js is frequently mistaken for a framework or programming language. In reality, Node.js used to develop back-end services for APIs, web applications, and mobile apps.
  2. Some of the world's leading companies, including Paypal, Uber, Netflix, Walmart, and more, rely on Node.js in their production environments.

Why Learn Node.js?

  1. Since JavaScript is a necessity for front-end development, learning Node.js makes more sense than delving into other backend technologies like PHP, Java, Ruby, and others. Node.js is currently one of the most sought-after technologies globally, particularly in Silicon Valley. It is a skill that can give you numerous career opportunities for software developers.

Features of Node.js

  1. Node.js leverages Google's Chrome V8 engine, providing a server-side runtime environment capable of compiling and executing JavaScript with exceptional speed.
  2. Features such as chat, gaming, social media updates, collaboration tools, e-commerce websites, real-time tracking apps, and marketplaces require seamless real-time communication between users, clients, and servers.
  3. Node.js, known for its scalability and lightweight architecture, is a preferred choice for microservice architectures. This approach involves breaking down applications into isolated and independent services.

Creating Your First Node.js Script

  1. You can create a simple Node.js script by creating a JavaScript file and running it with the node command. 
    2. // hello.js
console.log('Hello, Node.js!');

$ node hello.js
Hello, Node.js!

Building a Simple HTTP Server

  1. Node.js allows you to create HTTP servers easily. 
const http = require('http');

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

server.listen(3000, () => {
    console.log('Server is running on port 3000');
});