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Why Learning Node.js in 2020 is Essential for Aspiring Full Stack Developers

One of the skills that stands out for aspiring full stack developers is Node.js, a JavaScript runtime that has revolutionized web development. Despite the emergence of new technologies like Deno, Node.js remains a cornerstone for modern web applications. This article will guide you through the essentials of Node.js, advocating for its relevance in 2020, while providing a roadmap to building your first full stack web application.

The Significance of Node.js

When it was launched in 2009, Node.js enabled developers to run JavaScript on the server side, effectively streamlining the development process by allowing full stack applications to be written in one language – JavaScript. Here’s why learning Node.js in 2020 is still a wise investment:

  • Job Opportunities: Most companies still seek Node.js expertise due to its widespread use and stability.
  • Single Language Development: It promotes efficient coding practices by allowing developers to use the same language for both the front-end and back-end.
  • Community Support: With a large community, it’s easier to find libraries and frameworks to enhance your projects.

Understanding its capabilities and how it operates is crucial. Let’s dive into seven easy steps to get you up and running with Node.js.

Step 1: Understanding Node.js

Node.js is not a programming language but a runtime that allows JavaScript to be executed on server-side. It enables the handling of asynchronous requests, making it perfect for web servers that require high performance and scalability. As a beginner, grasping how Node.js functions will enable you to create robust applications.

Step 2: Installation of Node.js

Node.js can be installed on various operating systems like Windows, Mac, or Linux. To check if Node.js is installed, open your terminal and run:

node -v

If it’s not installed, use the Node Version Manager (NVM) to manage multiple versions of Node.js easily. Installation details can be found on the NVM GitHub page.

Step 3: Writing Your First Node.js Program

Once Node.js is installed, it’s time to write your first simple program. Create a file named index.js and add the following code:

console.log('Hello, World!');

Run the file with the command:

node index.js

You should see Hello, World! printed in your terminal. Congratulations! You’ve just created a Node.js application.

Step 4: Understanding the Node.js Runtime

JavaScript’s behavior in Node.js differs slightly from the browser. For example, there are built-in identifiers like console for logging and global, akin to the window object in browsers. Familiarize yourself with the process object to manage the current Node.js process effectively, keeping track of platform details and environment variables.

Step 5: Working with Events

Node.js is often described as an asynchronous event-driven runtime. This means it can handle multiple events through an event loop, which allows non-blocking operations. When programming, you’ll often utilize event listeners and callbacks.

Example of an event listener using the process global:

process.on('exit', (code) => { console.log(`About to exit with code: ${code}`); });

Step 6: File System Operations

Node.js comes with a built-in fs module that allows reading, writing, and manipulating files. Here’s how to read a file asynchronously:

const fs = require('fs');
fs.readFile('hello.txt', 'utf8', (err, data) => {
  if (err) throw err;
  console.log(data);
});

This method keeps your application responsive by not blocking the execution of other code.

Step 7: Using Modules

Modules in Node.js enable you to break your application into manageable parts. Use the require function to bring in other JavaScript files. For instance, if you have math.js exporting a constant, you can access it in your main file like so:

const math = require('./math');
console.log(math);

To manage dependencies effectively, utilize npm (Node Package Manager), which is installed with Node.js. Manage your project’s dependencies by creating a package.json file:

npm init -y

Then install Express, a popular Node.js framework:

npm install express

Building a Full Stack Application

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s apply everything learned. Create a simple Express application:

  1. Import Express and initialize the app.
  2. Define your routes and endpoints.
  3. Handle GET requests and respond with HTML.
  4. Start the server to listen for requests.

For example:

const express = require('express');
const app = express();
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  res.send('<h1>Hello World!</h1>');
});
app.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log('Server is running on http://localhost:3000');
});

Deploying Your Application

Once your application is ready, you can deploy it to the cloud. One straightforward option is Google App Engine, which offers easy scalability. After creating an app.yaml file to configure your app:

runtime: nodejs12

Use the command:

gcloud app deploy

This will deploy your app to a public URL!

Conclusion

Learning Node.js empowers you as a full stack developer, allowing you to handle both front-end and back-end processes seamlessly. The skills acquired from Node.js will not only make you a valuable asset in the tech industry but will also enable you to explore other technologies like Deno in the future. Whether you are just beginning or looking to enhance your skills, mastering Node.js is a step towards building successful web applications.
Start building your first application today and join the thriving community of Node.js developers!

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