What is Node.js and How to Use It in 2025

what is node.js

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that executes JavaScript code outside of a web browser. It allows developers to use JavaScript for server-side scripting and to create network applications. Node.js is built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine and uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O architecture, making it efficient and scalable for handling concurrent requests. It is often used for building real-time applications, APIs, and microservices. Node.js also has a large ecosystem of open-source libraries available through npm (Node Package Manager).

🚀 Key Features of Node.js

  • Asynchronous and Event-Driven: Node.js uses non-blocking I/O operations, allowing multiple operations to be handled concurrently, which is ideal for real-time applications.

  • Single Programming Language: Developers can use JavaScript for both client-side and server-side development, streamlining the development process.

  • Rich Ecosystem: With a vast collection of packages available through npm (Node Package Manager), developers have access to a wide range of tools and libraries.

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Node.js runs on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it versatile for different development environments.

🛠️ Getting Started with Node.js

  1. Install Node.js: Download and install the latest version of Node.js from the official website.

  2. Verify Installation: Open your terminal or command prompt and run:

    node -v
    npm -v

These commands will display the installed versions of Node.js and npm.

  1. Create a Simple Application: Start by creating a basic “Hello World” application. Create a file named app.js with the following content:

    javascript
    const http = require('http');

    const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
    res.statusCode = 200;
    res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
    res.end('Hello, World!\n');
    });

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

Run the application using the command:

node app.js

Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000/ to see the result.

📚 Learn More About Node.js

For a comprehensive guide on Node.js, including tutorials and best practices, visit W3Schools Node.js Tutorial.W3Schools+1W3Schools+1

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Node.js continues to be a powerful tool for developers in 2025, offering efficiency and scalability for modern applications. Whether you’re building APIs, real-time applications, or server-side tools, Node.js provides the foundation you need.

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