What Is Node.js?

Let’s walk through the simple steps for learning and using Node.js.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Go to:

https://nodejs.org

Download the recommended version for your operating system.

Installation includes:

• Node.js runtime
  
  
• NPM (Node Package Manager)
  

After installation, check your version:

node -v

npm -v

Step 2: Create Your First Node.js File

Open a folder and create a new file:

app.js

Add this code:

console.log(“Hello from Node.js”);

Run it with:

node app.js

You’ve just created your first Node.js program!

Step 3: Build a Simple Web Server

Node.js makes it easy to create servers. Here’s a basic example:

const http = require(“http”);

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {

  res.write(“Welcome to Node.js for Beginners!”);

  res.end();

});

server.listen(3000, () => {

  console.log(“Server running on port 3000”);

});

Run this:

node server.js

Open your browser and go to:

http://localhost:3000

You’ll see your message on the screen.

Step 4: Using NPM for Packages

NPM gives you access to millions of libraries. For example, install Express (a popular Node.js framework):

npm install express

Create a simple server with Express:

const express = require(“express”);

const app = express();

app.get(“/”, (req, res) => {

  res.send(“Hello from Express!”);

});

app.listen(3000, () => {

  console.log(“Server running on port 3000”);

});

This creates a cleaner, faster backend system.

Step 5: Understanding Modules

Node.js code is split into modules. You can create your own:

math.js

exports.add = (a, b) => a + b;

app.js

const math = require(“./math”);

console.log(math.add(5, 3));

Run:

node app.js

Modules make your code easier to manage.

Step 6: Working with JSON & APIs

Node.js is great for APIs. Here’s a simple example:

app.get(“/api/data”, (req, res) => {

  res.json({ name: “Node.js Beginner”, year: 2025 });

});

Node.js powers millions of APIs like this across the world.

Step 7: Building Real Projects

Once you understand the basics, you can build projects like:

• To-do apps
  
• Login systems
  
• Chat apps using Socket.io
  
• Payment integrations
  
• Full-stack apps with React + Node.js
  
• REST APIs for mobile apps
  

Practice is the key to becoming confident with Node.js.