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Node.js

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Description #

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment that lets developers run JavaScript code outside the browser. It’s built on Chrome’s V8 engine and enables the creation of fast, scalable network applications—especially back-end APIs and real-time tools.

History #

Node.js was created by Ryan Dahl in 2009 to solve the blocking nature of web servers like Apache. It introduced an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model using JavaScript—revolutionizing server-side development.

Key milestones:

  • 2009: Node.js is first released
  • 2011–2014: npm gains massive traction as Node’s package manager
  • 2015: Node.js merges with io.js and becomes part of the OpenJS Foundation
  • 2020+: Modern updates bring improved support for ES modules, async/await, and performance boosts

Hello World Code #

// hello.js

const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.end('Hello, World!');
});

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

How to Run #

Locally: #

  1. Install Node.js from https://nodejs.org/
  2. Save the code above as hello.js
  3. Run in terminal:
node hello.js
  1. Visit http://localhost:3000 in your browser

Online: #

Use any of these platforms to test:

Key Concepts #

  • Non-blocking I/O — handles many requests simultaneously
  • Single-threaded event loop — avoids the need for multiple threads
  • Built-in modules — like http, fs, path, and events
  • npm (Node Package Manager) — massive ecosystem of packages
  • CommonJS modules — require-based file structure
  • ES Modules — now fully supported via import/export
  • Express.js — most popular framework built on Node.js
  • Real-time capabilities — perfect for chat apps and sockets
  • Environment variables — manage via .env files
  • Cross-platform — works on macOS, Linux, and Windows

Try It Online #

🔗 Replit Node.js Template
🔗 Glitch Starter App
🔗 CodeSandbox Node Environment

Fun Facts #

  • Node.js is used by Netflix, PayPal, LinkedIn, and Uber
  • Over 1.5 million packages are available on npm
  • Creator Ryan Dahl later created a Node competitor, Deno
  • Node.js is a favorite for full-stack JavaScript development
  • It’s one of the few runtimes designed around asynchronous-first architecture

Resources #

Updated on June 7, 2025

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