Benefits of Node.js

1. Speed: Powered by the V8 JavaScript engine, Node.js is highly efficient at executing JavaScript.
2. Non-blocking I/O: It processes requests in a non-blocking manner, making it ideal for data-intensive real-time applications.
3. Single Language: Using JavaScript on both the front and back ends streamlines development and reduces context switching.
4. Active Community: A robust community offers extensive support, numerous plugins, and frameworks that enhance Node.js applications.

Installing Node.js

To get started with Node.js:

1. Visit the official Node.js website at nodejs.org.
2. Download the version suitable for your operating system, ideally the Long Term Support (LTS) version for beginners.
3. Follow the provided installation instructions to install both Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager).

Writing Your First Node.js Application

Begin by creating a new directory for your project and navigate into it. Then, create a file named app.js. Open this file in your preferred text editor and add the following code:

console.log('Hello, Node.js!');

To run your application, open a terminal and enter:

node app.js

You should see "Hello, Node.js!" displayed in the console.

Practice Assignments

Assignment 1: Create a Simple Web Server

Develop a basic web server that responds with a greeting message in the browser. Modify app.js to incorporate the HTTP module and establish a server:

1. Run your server using node app.js.
2. Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000 to view the greeting.

Assignment 2: Basic Info Logger

Write a straightforward Node.js script that logs fundamental information about the environment and user. Create a new file named infoLogger.js:

1. Add the following code to infoLogger.js:

console.log('User Information: ', process.env);

2. Execute the script using node infoLogger.js to display the system and user information.

Conclusion

These coding examples and assignments provide an introduction to the core functionalities of Node.js and offer practical experience from the outset. They are structured to gradually enhance your understanding and prepare you for more advanced topics in the upcoming sessions.

In this video, "Day 1 | Introduction to Node.js," you'll learn the fundamental concepts of Node.js, including its architecture and primary features.

The second video, "Day 1 | Introduction to Node.js and Building a Simple Server," walks you through creating a simple web server using Node.js, perfect for beginners.