Node.js can be used to build various types of applications such as command-line apps, web apps, real-time chat apps, REST API servers, etc. However, Node.js is mainly used to build network programs like web servers, similar to PHP, Java, or ASP.NET. In this article, Mytour will share more useful information about Node.js and the Node.js Download link, so stay tuned.
1. What is Node.js?
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform runtime environment for JavaScript, used to execute client-side web applications outside the browser. Node.js was written and introduced by Ryan Dahl in 2009 and is notable for the following features:
- Node.js is an open-source server framework.
- Node.js is free.
- Node.js runs on various platforms (including Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X, ...).
- Node.js uses JavaScript on the server. Download Java here
2. What is a Node.js file?
- Node.js files contain tasks that will be executed on specific events.
- An example of a typical event is when someone tries to access a port on the server.
3. Node.js Operating Principles
Node.js is a server-side development platform based on JavaScript. When a network request comes from a client, Node.js operates according to the following principles:
- Node.js creates an event loop to monitor incoming and outgoing network requests.
Node.js handles incoming and outgoing network requests using callback functions, Promises, async/await to ensure asynchronous behavior and optimize application performance. Network requests are processed independently, avoiding 'blocking' situations during request processing. Node.js also has the ability to work with other modules and libraries to assist in web application development.
4. How to Install Node.js on Windows
First, download Node.js - Software for managing and organizing network applications. Link to Node.js Download for free here:
Follow the steps below to install Node.js on your Windows computer:
Step 1: Click Install to run the .msi installer.
Step 2: Run the installer and follow the instructions to install NPM (node manager package) and Node.js.
Step 3: Restart your computer for everything to work on the Command Line Interface (CLI) interface.
Installing Node.js on Windows
Installing Node.js on a Windows computer is quite simple. Just visit the Node.js homepage to download the installation package and run it.
Download the node.msi installer for Windows
Visit the Node.js homepage to download the Windows .msi installation file. This is all you need to set everything up.
Run the node.msi installer
Run the Node.msi file from any location on your computer. A setup window will appear. All you need to do is click Agree and then click OK. If the Node.js installation process fails, you can rerun the file and select Repair to fix the error.
Restart your computer
This is a step that many users often forget. After installing the .msi file, remember to restart your computer. Otherwise, your computer will prevent you from using Node in the Command Prompt.
Run Node.js test on Windows
Just because you've installed Node.js doesn't mean it's working correctly. The next step below will guide you on how to create a test file to run Node.js.
Create a test file
To ensure Node.js is working correctly on Windows, try creating a simple Hello World script file using the code above. Name the file test.js and store it in a safe location, such as C:\node\test.js for easier access via Windows Command Prompt. If you store the file elsewhere, remember to change the path.
Run Windows Command Prompt
test.js: Code example from http://nodejs.org home page.
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var http = require('http');
http.createServer(function (req, res) {
res.writeHead(200, {'Content-Type': 'text/plain'});
res.end('Hello World\n');
}).listen(1337, '127.0.0.1');
console.log('Server running at http://127.0.0.1:1337/');
Launch Command Prompt and navigate to the directory containing test.js (See how to run Command Prompt here). Run the command node test.js to activate the file and display a message in Windows.
Check Node.js installation on Windows
When you run node test.js, you will see a message on the screen similar to the server running on http://127.0.0.1:1337/. To check if node is working correctly when the Command Prompt is running in the background, simply copy and paste http://127.0.0.1:1337 into your browser's address bar. The screen will display a message like the one shown in the illustration below.
Hopefully after this article you will understand what Node.js is, know the Node js Download link, as well as how to install Node.js on Windows. If you have any questions or need clarification, leave your comments below the article!