Node JS Full Course - Learn Node.js in 7 Hours | Node.js Tutorial for Beginners | Edureka

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to help you learn Node.js, a popular JavaScript runtime used for building scalable network applications. Whether you're a beginner or a professional looking to enhance your skills, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of Node.js, its features, and practical applications.

Step 1: Understand Node.js and Its Architecture

• What is Node.js?
  • Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that executes JavaScript code outside a web browser.
• Client-Server Architecture
  • Understand the basics of client-server architecture, where the client sends requests to the server, which processes them and sends back responses.
• Multi-Threaded vs Single-Threaded Models
  • Node.js operates on a single-threaded model which uses non-blocking I/O calls to handle multiple connections concurrently.
  • Compare this with multi-threaded models that can be more resource-intensive.

Step 2: Install Node.js

• Download and install Node.js from the official website.
• Verify the installation by running the following commands in your terminal:

  node -v
  npm -v
  

Step 3: Create Your First Node.js Application

• Create a new directory for your project:

  mkdir my-node-app
  cd my-node-app
  

• Create a file named app.js and add the following code to create a simple HTTP server:

  const http = require('http');
  
  const hostname = '127.0.0.1';
  const port = 3000;
  
  const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.statusCode = 200;
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
      res.end('Hello World\n');
  });
  
  server.listen(port, hostname, () => {
      console.log(`Server running at http://${hostname}:${port}/`);
  });
  

• Run your application:

  node app.js
  

• Open your browser and navigate to http://127.0.0.1:3000 to see your app in action.

Step 4: Explore Node.js Modules

• Core Modules
  • Learn about built-in modules like fs (file system), http, and path. These modules streamline development by providing essential functionalities.
• Local and Third-Party Modules
  • Create a local module by defining a function in a separate file and exporting it. For example:

    // myModule.js
    module.exports = function() {
      console.log("Hello from my module!");
    };
    

  • Install third-party modules using npm (Node Package Manager):

    npm install express
    

Step 5: Work with NPM

• Understanding NPM
  • NPM is the package manager for Node.js, allowing you to install libraries and manage dependencies.
• NPM Commands
  • Initialize a new npm project:

    npm init
    

  • Install a package:

    npm install <package-name>
    

Step 6: Build a RESTful API with Node.js

• What is REST API?
  • REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for designing networked applications.
• Creating an API
  • Use Express.js to set up a basic RESTful API:

    const express = require('express');
    const app = express();
    const port = 3000;
    
    app.get('/api', (req, res) => {
        res.send('Hello API!');
    });
    
    app.listen(port, () => {
        console.log(`API running at http://localhost:${port}/api`);
    });
    

Step 7: Database Integration

• Using MySQL with Node.js
  • Install MySQL and use a library like mysql to connect your Node.js application to a MySQL database.
• Using MongoDB
  • Install MongoDB and use Mongoose for object modeling in your Node.js applications.

Step 8: Containerization with Docker

• What is Docker?
  • Docker is a platform that enables developers to automate the deployment of applications within lightweight containers.
• Using Docker with Node.js
  • Create a Dockerfile to define your application's environment and dependencies. Example Dockerfile:

    FROM node:14
    WORKDIR /usr/src/app
    COPY package*.json ./
    RUN npm install
    COPY . .
    CMD ["node", "app.js"]
    

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you've learned the foundational concepts of Node.js, how to set up your environment, create a simple application, and expand into more advanced topics like building RESTful APIs and using Docker. As a next step, consider exploring more complex applications and deepen your understanding of database integration and deployment strategies. Happy coding!