What is Node.js?
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to build server-side applications. It uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient for building scalable network applications.
Getting Started with Node.js
Before you can start using Node.js, you’ll need to install it on your computer. You can download the latest version of Node.js from the official website and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
Creating Your First Node.js App
To create your first Node.js application, you’ll need to create a new JavaScript file with a .js extension. You can use any text editor to write your code, such as Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text.
Here’s a simple example of a Node.js application that prints “Hello, World!” to the console:
“`javascript
// app.js
console.log(“Hello, World!”);
“`
Running Your Node.js App
To run your Node.js application, open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the directory where your JavaScript file is located. Then, run the following command:
“`bash
node app.js
“`
You should see the output “Hello, World!” printed to the console, indicating that your Node.js application is running successfully.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve created and run your first Node.js application, you can start exploring the vast ecosystem of Node.js modules and packages available through npm, the Node Package Manager. You can also learn more about building server-side applications, creating APIs, and working with databases using Node.js.
Happy coding!
