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What is Nodejs? Node.js is a powerful cross-platform JavaScript runtime that enables developers to execute JavaScript code on the server-side. It was first introduced in 2009 by Ryan Dahl and has since become a popular choice for building scalable and high-performance applications.

In this article, we will explore what Node.js is, its usage, and some of its key features.

Node.js is built on top of the V8 JavaScript engine, which is used by Google Chrome to execute JavaScript code in the browser.

It allows developers to run JavaScript on the server-side, which means that they can write server-side applications using the same language they use for client-side scripting.

This makes it easier to build fast and scalable applications, as developers can use the same codebase for both the client and server sides.

Anyway, the following section will show you the basic history of node.js

As we mentioned before, Node.js is a server-side runtime environment. Ryan Dahl initially released Node.js in 2009, and it is built on top of the Chrome V8 JavaScript engine. Since its release in 2009, NodeJs has grown to become one of the most widely-used platforms for building server-side applications.

The Evolution of JavaScript and the Emergence of Node.js

To understand the history of Node.js, it’s important to first understand the history of JavaScript. Initially, developers designed JavaScript as a client-side scripting language, and they used it mainly to add interactivity to web pages.

However, developers realized that JavaScript could also serve as a server-side language as web applications grew more complex.

In 2009, Ryan Dahl began work on a new project that would eventually become Node.js. Dahl’s goal was to develop a server-side JavaScript platform that could handle high-concurrency real-time applications.

Platforms like Ruby on Rails inspired Dahl, but he felt JavaScript was better suited to this model because of its asynchronous programming capabilities.

Dahl released the first version of Node.js in 2009. And it quickly gained popularity among developers who were looking for a fast, scalable, and lightweight platform for building server-side applications.

One of the key features of Node.js was its non-blocking I/O model. Which allowed it to handle a large number of concurrent connections without blocking the event loop.

This made it ideal for building real-time applications like chat applications, multiplayer games, and streaming applications.

Over the years, NodeJs has continued to grow and evolve. Developers can share and reuse code easily since the introduction of the Node Package Manager (NPM) in 2010.

Walmart and LinkedIn adopted NodeJs in 2011, helping to increase its visibility and popularity.

A diverse range of companies and organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, use NodeJs today.

It has become one of the most popular platforms for building server-side applications, and its large and growing ecosystem of modules and libraries make it easy to add new functionality to applications.

Nevertheless, in the following section, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of what Node.js is.

Developers use NodeJs to create various applications, including web, real-time, and networking applications.

It’s particularly popular for building scalable and high-performance applications that can handle a large number of concurrent connections.

Moreover, NodeJs has a large and growing ecosystem of modules and libraries, which makes it easy to add new functionality to your applications.

Additionally, NodeJs applications are highly scalable, making it easy to manage numerous concurrent connections across several machines.

Now, let’s delve into the section below to explore its key features.

Some of the key features of NodeJs that make it well-suited for building scalable and high-performance applications include non-blocking I/O, fast performance, and scalability.

Non-blocking I/O: NodeJs uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, which allows it to handle a large number of concurrent connections without blocking the event loop. This means that NodeJs applications can handle more requests with less resources compared to traditional server-side programming languages.

Fast performance: The V8 JavaScript engine powers NodeJs and compiles JavaScript code to machine code, resulting in fast performance. This means that NodeJs applications can handle a large number of requests with low latency.

Scalability: Developers can easily handle a large number of concurrent connections by horizontally scaling NodeJs applications across multiple machines. This means that NodeJs applications can handle traffic spikes and can scale to meet the needs of growing businesses.

NodeJs is a powerful tool for developers who want to build fast, scalable, and high-performance applications. Its non-blocking I/O model, fast performance, and scalability make it well-suited for building applications that can handle a large number of concurrent connections.

Additionally, its large ecosystem of modules and libraries make it easy to add new functionality to your applications. If you’re a developer looking to build scalable and high-performance applications, NodeJs is definitely worth considering.

Montasser Mossallem

What is Nodejs? Node.js is a powerful cross-platform JavaScript runtime that enables developers to execute JavaScript code on the server-side.

What is NodeJS? An Introduction to Node.js

Node.js Introduction

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Node.js Tutorial

Installing node js on Windows, Ubuntu, or macOS. You need to pick the version of Node.js that you want to install.

Let’s get started on how to install Node.js on the Windows operating system.

The very first thing you need to do is get Node. js software. It’s the official Node. js web page:&nbsp;<a href="https://nodejs.org/en/download/">https://nodejs.org/en/download/</a>.

After the link is opened more installers are shown. Downloading Node — Just Checkmark on the “Download Node. js” button.

Select the installer according to your System, maybe 32bits or 64-bit.

When your download is complete, run the file as an admin to start installing. Look at the prompts on the screen.

However, be sure to confirm the license agreement and choose an installation folder if you wish.

The setup wizard will immediately walk you through a couple of options:

This installer is an NPM package (installed automatically as part of the process).

To check the NPM version, just run the command below.

Here is an image showing how to verify the NPM and Node.js versions for each command.

If that is the case, congratulations! You have successfully installed Node.js on Windows. Let’s move on to the following section to learn how to install node.js on Ubuntu.

Installing NPM and Setting Up Node.js on Ubuntu

When you’re ready to dive into JavaScript development on the Ubuntu operating system, setting up Node.js and NPM (Node Package Manager) is your first step.

Therefore, very important to update the package repository before even installing any new software. It is in order to keep you updated on the latest versions and offer our best installation ceremony.

This command refreshes your system software list and sets the stage for a smooth installation.

Ubuntu’s package repository already contains Node.js, so you can install it directly using the&nbsp;<code>apt</code>&nbsp;package manager. To install Node.js along with npm, use the following command:

Then, you can verify the installation by checking the versions of Node.js and NPM, as mentioned earlier:

Anyway, In the following section, you will learn how to install NPM and Node.js on the macOS operating system. Let’s dive in.

It is the same process as in Ubuntu OS, just follow the following steps:

Firstly, you need to open the terminal on your macOS by pressing the two keys on your keyboards&nbsp;<code>Command+Space</code>. Then just type “Terminal” in the search bar.

Once you see the Terminal open you need to install Homebrew which is the package manager of macOS. Here is the command.

Then run the below command to start installing Node.js.

Then, confirm that the installation was successful by checking the versions of Node.js and npm with this command:

Once the installation process is finished, you have to check the version number that is already installed on your operating system, and that can be done by the following command.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Node.js on macOS. In the following section, I will show you another method to install NPM and Node.js on all operating systems using the binary package. Let’s get started.

Install Node.js and NPM Using the Binary Package on Windows

To start the installation using the binaries, open the official Node.js website and then select the binary package that works according to your operating system from the listed list there.

Once you download the target package you need to extract it from the compressed file. For this example, we downloaded the 64-bit binary package named “node-v16.15.1-win-x64.”.

After moving the folder, copy the path of its new location.

Then, add this path to the Environment Variables by opening the “Environment Variables” window. You can do this by following the below steps:

Right-click on “My Computer” with your mouse and choose “Properties.”

Scroll down and click on “Advanced System Settings” to open the “System Properties” window.

Click on the “Advanced” tab and then click the “Environment Variables” button.

Now, click on “Path” and then click the “Edit” button.

Next, add the new path to the list of variables, as illustrated in the images below.

In the next section, you will learn how to update Node.js using NPM. Let’s move on.

Updating Node.js Using the Node Package Manager (NPM)

NPM, or Node Package Manager, lets you update Node.js with a package from the NPM registry called “n.” This package manages different versions of Node.js. To install “n,” use the command listed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npmjs.com/package/n" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">npm registry</a>.

To update or install Node.js using the “n” package, you need to run one of the following commands:

In the following section, you will learn another method to update or install a specific version of Node.js on your operating system using NVM.

Set Up or Update Node.js Using Node Version Manager (NVM)

NVM stands for Node Version Manager. This tool helps manage different versions of Node.js. If you have multiple versions installed, you can switch between them using NVM commands.

If you don’t have NVM installed on your computer, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://flatcoding.com/tutorials/learn-nodejs/install-nodejs-nvm/" target="_blank" rel="">NVM</a>&nbsp;tutorial for guidance on how to install it.

Once you have confirmed that NVM is installed on your machine, you can run the following command to install a specific version of Node.js:

Anyway, Let’s move on to the next section to learn how to check the current version of Node.js on your machine.

Additionally, to check the version of Node.js you downloaded or to ensure the installation was successful, you need to run the following command using the command prompt.

So to open it, go to the Start menu, type “command prompt” in the search bar, and click to open the application.

Here is the command to verify the Node.js installation:

And to verify the NPM version, use the following command:

NPM allows you to update its package on your machine using a global command. Let’s explore how to do that in the following section.

You can use the npm command to update npm itself. If you are using Ubuntu or macOS, please precede the following command with ‘sudo’ to grant administrative privileges.

If you look at the image above, you will see a warning message suggesting you use&nbsp;<code>--location=global</code>&nbsp;instead of the outdated&nbsp;<code>-g</code>&nbsp;flag.

Anyway, when you see this warning message, run the below command.

Accordingly, you will see a new message stating “up to date,” which indicates that we have already installed the latest version of NPM.

Otherwise, it will display a notice listing the updated and removed packages. For example:

The installer of Node.js lets you run JavaScript on your computer. It comes in two main types: the&nbsp;LTS Version&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Current Version. So the recommended version to install is the LTS version.

Learn how to install Node.js on Windows, Ubuntu, and MacOS with step-by-step instructions. Get your development environment set up quickly.

Installing Node js on Windows, Ubuntu, and MacOS

Installing Node.js

Node.js modules are like small building blocks that come together when you use tools to construct the entire structure. This means that when you build your application using Node.js, the modules help you assemble your project quickly.

In the tutorial, you will understand what modules are, their definition, and types, and how to include them in your project.

So, let’s get started with the main definition.

Node.js Modules are nothing but files or groups of files in which you write some amount code to do a particular thing which can be exported and then imported elsewhere.

A module has a scope, and the code within it is isolated from other parts of your application unless you explicitly expose it by exporting a specific part.

So, using modules in Node.js helps you to do the following on your project:

Basically, Node.js has 3 types of modules which are like the below list:-

So let’s take a look at each one in detail.

These are already built-in Node.js which comes with Node.js installation. These modules give us essential functionalities that are already written in C++ or JavaScript.

Additionally, these modules are built to optimize the performance used in handling file systems, managing HTTP requests, and more else.

They are like&nbsp;<code>fs</code>,&nbsp;<code>http</code>,&nbsp;<code>path</code>,&nbsp;<code>crypto</code>, and&nbsp;<code>events</code>.

Here is an example that shows you how to work with file stream in Node.js.

Core modules are loaded automatically by Node.js when requested and can be accessed using the&nbsp;<code>require()</code>&nbsp;function followed by the name of the module.

here is another example with an HTTP request.

Now, let’s go to the below section to understand what local modules are.

Local modules are all files that you create on your Node.js project. For example, if your application does some stuff such as connecting to a database or processing, you are creating that and using export/import to use it inside your application.

So in the following example, I created two files and printed the file name in the terminal console as an output. The first file is&nbsp;<code>dbconnection.js</code>&nbsp;and the name of the second one is&nbsp;<code>server.js.</code>

&nbsp; In this case, the&nbsp;<code>connected()</code>&nbsp;function is a local module inside your local project and you can use it anywhere. let’s import it inside&nbsp;<code>server.js</code>&nbsp;file.

That will show you the&nbsp;<code>console.log</code>&nbsp;result in your terminal.

Anyway, in the following section, you will learn how to use the third-party modules. Let’s move on.

These modules were already created by other developers and shared in the community of JavaScript. This community is called NPM which means the Node Package Manager.

When you use these packages, you will save development time. They can be downloaded using simple commands.

Anyway, let’s move into the following section to understand how to load and require modules in Node.js.

As we said before, Node.js modules are functions that help us to build our project. And we can’t use it until invoke it inside the target file. So the process of using these modules in your application involves loading and requiring them to use the&nbsp;<code>require()</code>&nbsp;function.

This function is used to load and bring a module into the current file when you just call it through this function&nbsp;<code>require(&lt;file_path_or_built_in&gt;)</code>.

Module Caching and the Role of&nbsp;module.exports

When a module is loaded for the first time, Node.js stores it in an internal cache. The next time you require the same module, Node.js retrieves it from the cache instead of loading it from the file system again.

Additionally,&nbsp;<code>module.exports</code>&nbsp;is an object that a module returns when it is required in another file. By default, an empty object (<code>{}</code>) which is assigned to&nbsp;<code>module.exports</code>, but you can customize what is exported from the module by assigning different values to it.

The article presents a classification of Node.js modules, which are important elements in building Node.js applications. It explains that the composition of modules can be a file or a combination of several files with functionality and they can be exported or imported out of the application. This in turn makes it easier to test the application since such common problems are alleviated when modularization is used to structure the code.

This tutorial presents a useful categorization into three types of Node.js modules: Core Modules:

Node.js modules are small, reusable code units, including core, local, and third-party modules. Click to learn how each type helps you.

Node.js Architecture

Node.js Modules

NVM (Node Version Manager ) is a command-line tool used to manage multiple versions of Node.js on a single machine. It makes installing, updating, and switching between many different Node.js.

This tool is very useful for developers who work sometimes on multiple projects and are required to test their new code on different Node. js versions.

So, let’s take a look at the definition of NVM and why we should use it.

The Node Version Manager is the right way to deal with managing many Node.js environments.

It allows to set up multiple Node.js versions on their system and can quickly switch to different versions if needed.

This leads to the ability to ensure that your development environment matches exactly what version of Node.js is being used.

Using NVM with Node.js has several major advantages. It allows you to keep various sets of Node.jsRunning multiple versions of Node.js for different projects so that each project runs in an environment where there are no conflicts with other applications. That can be beneficial when working on legacy projects that need an older Node.js version or trying the new feature out on the latest version for testing updates. On the other hand, NVM makes Node.js upgrade/downgrade easy.

This installs each version of the Node.js that you choose so that you can play with newer releases without worrying about breaking your current projects. To put it briefly, NVM really makes handling your Node.js flexibility-control-convenient. A must-have tool for any Node.js environment js developer.

Anyway, let’s move into the following section to learn how to install NVM on various operating systems.

Installing Node Version Manager (NVM) on Windows

To install NVM on Windows, go to this&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows/releases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">link</a>&nbsp;and download the program that meets your machine’s requirements.

Then, follow the following steps one by one.

After downloading the program, just double-click it.

In the above screen, you may see the license agreement screen in the image above. Simply choose –&nbsp;“I accept the agreement“&nbsp;to accept the conditions of the license.

In the following stage, just press the –&nbsp;“next“&nbsp;button.

On this screen, you have to choose the installation path or leave it as the default location.

Once the –&nbsp;“next“&nbsp;button appears, just click on it.

The figure below indicates that in order to add a –&nbsp;“symlink“, you just need to choose the path for the Node.js folder.

If the default location path is correct for Node.js, you can leave it. Otherwise, choose the new location path.

In this part, we will focus on the Ubuntu operating system, which means it requires additional tools to help us download the NVM package.

The first package we can use is –&nbsp;“curl.”&nbsp;If you don’t have –&nbsp;“curl“, just open your terminal and write the below command to install it on your operating system.

But before you do that, just update the Ubuntu package by using the below command.

Then run the below one to setup the – “curl” package.

Well done! In the following step, we simply need to download the NVM package into our operating system, and that can be done using the following command:

Also, if you are not familiar with the – “curl“ package or don’t have the installation, an alternative is to use the – “wget“ package. Let’s download it.

If you run one of the previous commands, it will download the NVM package onto your machine. But there are another two steps: setting up the NVM directory and loading its functionality into your current shell session.

That can be achieved with the below commands.

Basic NVM (Node Version Manager) Commands

Using NVM, managing Node.js This way working with multiple versions will be easier and you can improve your workflow ability by going in much deeper. However, here are a few important NVM commands that everybody must be aware of.

Installing and Switching Between Node.js Versions

If you already have a specific version in Node.js like this one&nbsp;<code>18.5.0</code>&nbsp;you just need to write it beside this command&nbsp;<code>nvm install {your-node-version-here}</code>. So here is an example:

So, once the installation process is completed, you just need to switch your current version of Node.js to the new one. And that can be done using this command&nbsp;<code>nvm use {your-node-version-here}</code>. Here is an example:

This command will make the version you specified active Node.js for your current session.

If you already have many versions of Node.js and need to show them on your terminal you just need to run the following command.

This command will display all Node.js versions on your operating system. So that will help you to select, what version you need to active.

You can set a default Node.js version that will be automatically used in each new terminal session with&nbsp;<code>nvm alias default {your-node-version-here}</code>. Here is an example:

This command will make the default version of Node.js 18.5.0 every time you open the terminal or the command line.

Now let’s move into the below section to learn how to manage versions in a machine like updating, deleting, and installing using the NVM command.

NVM command makes it very simple, so you can install, delete, or update any version of Node.js on your operating system as needed. Here are commands to do that.

So, to install the Node.js version as I mentioned before, use the following command:

Also, you can update the current version of Node.js to the latest version. You can do that by running the following command:

Alternatively, if you want to update to the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version, you can use:

To remove a specific Node.js version from your operating system. Execute this command:

That’s it. However, if you have multiple projects that are based on different Node.js versions, how can you manage them? Let’s move into the following section to answer this question.

When working on several projects that require different Node.js versions, being able to switch the version of Node.js per project is essential. NVM makes this easy to do especially when using&nbsp;<code>.nvmrc</code>&nbsp;files which specify which version of Node.js a project is to use.

Project-Specific Node.js Version Management

NVM enables you the ability to switch between versions at once. So suppose you have a project based on Node.js version&nbsp;<code>15.5.0</code>&nbsp;and another one requires version&nbsp;<code>18.6.0</code>. You can easily manage them by using this command for&nbsp;<code>15.5.0</code>.

And this command for v<code>18.6.0</code>.

for the second. This ensures that the correct Node.js version is active for each project, avoiding any compatibility issues.

Using .nvmrc Files to Specify Node.js Versions

You can make a specific version for each project in an easier way which is creating a file&nbsp;<code>.nvmrc</code>&nbsp;for each project in the main folder. It should include the Node.js version that the project needs. here is an example:

Additionally, when you navigate to this project, you just need to run the following command:

NVM will automatically read the&nbsp;<code>.nvmrc</code>&nbsp;file and switch to the specified Node.js version.

So you have to do the same thing in the other project. Create&nbsp;<code>.nvmrc</code>&nbsp;with the target version&nbsp;<code>18.6.0</code>&nbsp;and then when you go to this directory just run this command&nbsp;<code>nvm use</code>.

Anyway, in the following paragraphs, you will see real examples of how to use NVM with your Node.js Projects. Let’s move on.

Node Version Manager (NVM) to easily manage and switch between different Node.js versions on your computer. Learn how to install and use NVM.

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