Introduction
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to create front-end and back-end applications using JavaScript. It was released in 2009 by Ryan Dahl. In this article, you will get acquainted with Node.js and learn the following:
- What is Node.js?
- Difference between Node.js environment and browser.
- Why you should learn Node.js.
- How to get started with Node.js.
- Resources to help you learn Node.js.
What is Node.js?
Node.js is an open source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment. This seems like a simple and straightforward answer. But for a beginner, this definition may raise more questions. So let's break it down and understand what it means.
- Node.js is open source: This means that the Node.js source code is publicly available. It is maintained by contributors from around the world. The Node.js Contribution Guide shows you how to contribute.
- Node.js is cross-platform: Node.js is not dependent on any operating system software. It can run on Linux, macOS, or Windows.
- Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment: when you write JavaScript code in your text editor, that code can't do anything unless you run (or execute) it. And you need a runtime environment to run your code.
Browsers like Chrome and Firefox have runtime environments. That's why they can run JavaScript code. Before Node.js was created, JavaScript could only run in a browser. And it was only used to build front-end applications.
Node.js provides an out-of-browser runtime environment. It is also built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. This allows you to create applications using the same JavaScript programming language you may be familiar with.
Differences between browser and Node.js runtimes
Both browsers and Node.js are capable of running JavaScript programs. But there are a few key differences you should know. They include the following.
Accessing DOM APIs
Using browser implementation, you can access the Document Object Model (DOM). And you can perform all the DOM operations. But Node.js does not have access to the DOM.
Node.js exposes almost all system resources to your applications. This means you can interact with the operating system, access file systems, and read and write files. However, you don't have access to the operating system and file systems through the browser.
Window vs. Global Object
JavaScript has a built-in global object. The JavaScript global object for the browser is called the window object. In Node.js, the global object is known as the global. The window object contains methods and properties that are only available in the browser environment.
Runtime version control
With Node.js, you can choose which version to run your server-side application on. As a result, you can take advantage of modern JavaScript features without worrying about version-specific incompatibilities. Compare this to the browser runtime environment. As a developer, you have no control over the version of browsers your customers use to access your application.
Loading modules (import vs. requiring keywords)
Node.js provides out-of-the-box support for CommonJS and ES modules. You can load modules using the require keyword (CommonJS syntax) and the import keyword (ES syntax). Some modern browsers support ES modules. This means you can use ES imported modules. But you still need to create packages to cater to older browsers that don't support ES modules.
How much JavaScript do you need to get started with Node?
If you are an absolute beginner to JavaScript, I recommend starting with the basics. First, get familiar with the basic concepts of JavaScript. Then, you can move on to learning how to build server-side applications with Node.js. There is no way you can finish learning everything there is to know about JavaScript. So, how do you determine when you know enough JavaScript to start with Node.js? The Nodejs.dev documentation provides a list of JavaScript topics to learn before diving deep into Node.js. Once you have a grasp of the basics of JavaScript, you can start with Node.js.
Should you learn Node.js?
Here are some reasons why you should learn Node.js
Node.js allows you to write JavaScript on both the client and server.
One of the advantages of Node.js is that it allows you to work on both the front-end and back-end of your application. And you use one programming language – JavaScript – to do this.
This is good news for front-end developers working with JavaScript. If you want to start working on the server side, it's easier than learning a new backend language from scratch.
Node has a vibrant community.
As I mentioned earlier in the article, Node.js is open source. It is actively maintained by developers from all over the world.
There is a vibrant community around Node.js. You can find great tutorials and solutions to problems when you get stuck.
Node is built on Google Chrome's V8 engine.
Node.js is built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. This is important because the V8 engine powers some of Google's in-browser applications, such as Gmail. As such, Google invests heavily in making sure it delivers high performance.
Market demand
Many big names like Netflix, Uber, Paypal, and LinkedIn and others use Node.js. Apart from the big names, many startups also use Node.js in developing their applications.
Learning to work with Node.js will make you a desirable candidate in the job market.
NPM library
The NPM library is one of the great resources that comes with Node.js. The library includes a registry of over a million packages. A package is a reusable piece of code.
You can create a package for a recurring task or problem and share the code with others through the registry.
You can also download packages that others have shared. There are packages for many of the tasks that developers do regularly.
Result
A blog post like this is not enough to learn everything you need to know about Node.js. The goal of this article was to provide an overview of Node.js. If you were unsure what Node.js is, I hope this article answers your concerns and clears up any confusion.
