Getting Started with Node.js: Everything You Need to Know

Getting Started with Node.js: Everything You Need to Know

Created by devmind.tech

Getting Started with Node.js: Everything You Need to Know.  Node.js lets developers build both front-end and back-end apps using JavaScript. It was created by Ryan Dahl in 2009.

This article is focused on Node.js. It will be all about the following: 

• An introduction to Node.js. 
• Comparison of the Node.js environment and a browser.
• Reasons to learn Node.js.
• Starting with Node.js.
• Learning resources for Node.js. 

An introduction to Node.js

Node.js is a run-time environment letting you run JavaScript outside the browser. It helps developers build fast and scalable web applications on both the front-end and the back-end.

In simple terms, it is a server-side tool for running JavaScript, not just in web browsers, and was designed by Ryan Dahl in 2009. It is widely used for building web applications, APIs, and real-time applications such as chat applications.

Node.js is open source, which means its code is public and developers from around the world contemplate helping improve it. If you want to contribute, you can follow the Node.js guidelines. 

Node.js will work on any system - It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. You don't need to stick to a particular OS to use it.

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime - JavaScript code will not really do anything until it is run. Node.js creates an environment that allows the running of JavaScript outside the browser.

JavaScript used to run solely in browser environments, such as Chrome or Firefox, until Node.js came into the picture. This meant that JavaScript was very much a front-end language.

Node.js changes that! It provides a runtime environment outside the browser based on the Chrome V8 engine. Therefore, JavaScript can also be used to develop back-end systems, making it possible to build full-stack applications in one language. 

Comparison of the Node.js environment and a browser.

Access to the DOM APIs

• In the context of browser, one can access the document object model (DOM) in order to manipulate web pages using JavaScript.
• There is no such DOM because the Node runs outside the browser. It is thus oriented toward the server side.

System Access

• This is what allows Node.js to make accessible system resources, so an application could, for instance, extract data from files and also read other types of data.
• The browsers render access to the operating system and file system for security purposes.

Window vs Global Object

• In the browser, window is the name for the global object. In Node.js, the global object is called global instead of window. 

The window object contains methods and properties available only in the browser environment.

Control Over Active Versions

• Node.js enables you to choose the version in which your server-side app will be run. Thus, you can write modern JavaScript without thinking of the implications.
• You cannot control which version a client uses in a browser. Some may even use an old browser, thus causing inconsistencies in how the app runs.

Loading of Modules (import vs require)

• Node.js natively supports CommonJS (require) as well as ES modules (import).
• As for those browsers, ES modules, including the import keyword, are supported, but in older browsers, this would not work. To address this, developers often use bundlers such as Webpack or Parcel.

How much JavaScript knowledge should one have? 

If you are completely new to JavaScript, it makes sense to start from the ground up.

Familiarize yourself with the following basic concepts of JavaScript before you try actually building the server-side application development framework with Node.js.

You can never learn all that there is to learn about JavaScript, but how do you know it's time to start getting into Node.js?

The Node.js documentation specifies a few topics that are needed within JavaScript before venturing on into the depths of Node.

You could then get into Node.js once you get a little deal under your belt on the basics of JavaScript

Starting with Node.js.

Creating Your First Node.js Application

First, let us follow steps to run a Node.js script from the command line: Downloading and Installing Node.js First, get a copy of Node.js and install it. Here is how: Go to the official website for Node.js: official website.

Select a version:

LTS (Long-Term Support)—Recommended for most users. Current—Has the latest features but may not be as stable. Download and install Node.js following the instructions for Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Should You Learn Node.js? 

Yes! Some major benefits give you good reasons to consider learning Node.js:

1. JavaScript for Front-End and Back-End

With Node.js, you can write JavaScript for both the client side (front-end) and the server side (back-end); thus, front-end developers find it easier to shift to full-stack development without the need to learn another back-end programming language.

2. Good Community Support 

Since Node.js is an open-source platform, it has plenty of users, tens of thousands of whom contribute to its further development. When you run into a problem, there are many other developers willing to lend a helping hand with tutorials, user stories, etc. 

3. Powerfully Fast due to Google Chrome V8 Engine

Node.js runs on Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine, which powers applications such as Gmail. Google is continually working at improving V8, thereby making the Node.js applications even more high-performing and efficient.

4. Lots of Demand in the Job Market

Big corporations such as Netflix, Uber, PayPal, and LinkedIn utilize Node.js. Startups also prefer Node.js for its speed, scalability, and efficiency. As a developer, Node.js will definitely increase your chances of finding a job.

5. The NPM Library 

The NPM library further extends support for over a million reusable packages for common stuff. Sharing your code or using someone else's advanced version solution can help you save lots of time.

Resources to Learn Node

Nodejs.dev Documentation

FAQ About Node.js

1. What's the purpose of using Node.js?

Node.js helps build APIs, real-time applications, microservices, and server-side applications. It is great for chat applications, streaming services, and scalable web applications.

2. Is Node.js a programming language?

No, Node.js is not a programming language; it is a runtime environment to execute JavaScript outside a browser.

3. What are the advantages of Node.js?

• JavaScript is being used for front-end and back-end development.
• Speed and efficiency, thanks to the Google Chrome V8 engine.
• Non-blocking, event-driven architecture, which is excellent for real-time applications.
• Huge ecosystem of ready-to-use modules through NPM.

4. Is it easy for beginners?

Of course! Knowing JavaScript certainly eases the process of learning Node.js more than learning a new back-end language.

5. Can Node.js work with databases?

Node.js works pretty well with MongoDB (NoSQL), MySQL, PostgreSQL, and other databases.

6. Which companies use Node.js?

Big firms like Netflix, Uber, PayPal, LinkedIn, eBay, and Walmart use Node.js for their applications.

7. What does NPM mean in Node.js?

NPM (Node Package Manager) is a repository of more than a million reusable JavaScript packages that facilitate faster development.

8. Should I learn Node.js in 2025?

Yes! Node.js continues to be in high demand and evolving. A fantastic fit for full-stack developers as well as back-end engineers. 🚀