Welcome to the

World of Node.js
Welcome to the world of Node.js. You're about to embark on a
journey into server-side JavaScript, learning how to build powerful
web applications. This presentation will guide you through the basics,
from installation to building your first app.

by Ojas Joshi
What is Node.js?
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript on the server side. Unlike traditional server-side languages,
Node.js employs an asynchronous, event-driven architecture, making it efficient for handling numerous requests simultaneously.

JavaScript on the Server Event-Driven, Non-blocking I/O Built on Chrome's V8 Engine

Node.js enables you to use JavaScript Node.js leverages Google Chrome's fast
on both the front-end and back-end, Node.js can handle multiple tasks and efficient V8 JavaScript engine,
simplifying development and increasing concurrently without waiting for one to ensuring performance and speed.
consistency. finish, making it ideal for real-time
applications.
Use Cases and Benefits of Node.js
Node.js is perfect for a variety of applications, ranging from simple web servers to complex real-time systems. Its speed and
scalability make it ideal for handling large numbers of users or requests simultaneously.

Real-Time Applications Scalability Ease of Development

Node.js excels at building real-time Node.js is highly scalable, meaning it Using JavaScript for both front-end and
applications like chat apps, online can handle increasing traffic and user back-end simplifies development and
games, and live dashboards, where loads without compromising promotes code reuse. Node.js has a
data needs to be updated instantly. performance. This is essential for web vast ecosystem of libraries and tools
applications with a growing user base. available through npm.
• Live chat
• Video conferencing • Streaming services • Consistent development
• Social media platforms environment
• Online gaming
• E-commerce sites • Rich set of libraries and frameworks
• Strong community support
Companies Using Node.js

Node.js has gained popularity in the industry and is used by some of

the biggest tech companies in the world. Its speed, scalability, and
ease of development make it a compelling choice for various
applications.

Company Application

Netflix Streaming platform

PayPal Payment processing

LinkedIn Social networking platform

Installing Node.js
Installing Node.js is a straightforward process. You can download the appropriate installer for your operating system from the official Node.js website. The installer comes bundled with npm (Node Package
Manager), a powerful tool for managing dependencies.

Download the Installer

Visit the Node.js website and download the LTS version of the installer for your operating system.

Run the Installer

Double-click the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure that npm is selected for installation.

Verify the Installation

Open a terminal or command prompt and run the following commands to confirm the installation:

node -v
This will display the installed Node.js version.

npm -v
This will display the installed npm version.
Understanding Node.js Modules
Node.js modules are like building blocks that allow you to organize and reuse code. There are two types of modules: core
modules (built-in) and custom modules (created by you).

1 Core Modules 2 fs 3 http

Core modules are pre-installed For working with the file For creating web servers that
with Node.js and provide system, such as reading and can handle requests and send
essential functionality for writing files. responses.
common tasks.

4 path 5 events
For manipulating file paths and ensuring For handling events, allowing you to trigger actions
consistency across different operating systems. when specific events occur.
Creating Custom Modules
Custom modules allow you to organize your code into reusable components, making your projects more maintainable and
scalable. They enable you to create specialized functions that are specific to your application.

Create a Module File

Create a JavaScript file for your module, e.g., myModule.js.

Define Functions
Define the functions you want to export from the module.

Export Functions
Use module.exports to export the functions so they can be used in other files.

Import the Module

Use require() to import your module in other files where you need to use its functions.
Node Package Manager (npm)
npm (Node Package Manager) is a powerful tool for managing dependencies in Node.js projects. It
allows you to easily install, update, and remove packages, which are pre-built modules created by the
community.

1 npm init
Initializes your Node.js project by creating a package.json file, which lists all the
packages you need.

2 npm install
Installs packages from the npm registry. You can specify the package name and
version, e.g., npm install express@4.17.1.

3 npm update
Updates installed packages to their latest versions.

4 npm uninstall
Removes installed packages from your project. You can specify the package name,
e.g., npm uninstall express.
Popular npm Packages
npm has a vast collection of packages that you can use to extend the functionality of your Node.js applications. These packages offer pre-built
solutions for various tasks, saving you time and effort.

Express.js Mongoose
A popular web framework for building robust and scalable web A MongoDB ODM (Object Document Mapper) that simplifies
applications. interaction with MongoDB databases.
Next Steps: Building Your First
Node.js App
Now that you have a basic understanding of Node.js, its modules, and npm, you're ready to start
building your first Node.js application. The next step is to choose a project idea and explore the
vast possibilities offered by this powerful technology.

Simple Web Server

Start with creating a basic web server that serves static content or handles basic HTTP
requests.

REST API
Build a RESTful API to interact with data sources like databases or external services.

Real-Time Chat App

Challenge yourself by building a real-time chat application using Node.js and WebSockets.
npm: The Package
Manager for Node.js

npm is a package manager that allows you to manage libraries

(dependencies) for your Node.js projects. Think of npm like Amazon for
developers. You want to build something? Head to npm, search for the
tool (package) you need, and with one command (npm install), you’ll have
it in your project.
Recap: npm Basics
1 npm init
Initializes a project with a package.json file.

2 npm install
Installs packages from npm.

3 npm update
Updates installed packages to their latest versions.

4 npm uninstall
Removes packages from your project.
Creating a Web Server with
Node.js
1 Setting Up the Project
Create a folder for your project and a server.js file.

2 Creating a Simple HTTP Server

Import the http module and create a server using
http.createServer.

3 Running the Server

Run node server.js to start the server. Open your browser
to http://localhost:3000.
Handling Routes
req.url
Represents the URL path the client requested.

Check the URL

Use if/else statements to respond differently based on
the URL.

Send Response
Send an HTML message back to the client.
File System Module in Node.js

fs Module
Provides methods to interact with the file system.

Asynchronous Operations
Allows other tasks to run while file operations are in progress.

fs.readFile
Reads the content of a file asynchronously.

fs.writeFile
Writes content to a file asynchronously.
Reading Files Asynchronously
fs.readFile Callback Function Example

Reads the content of a file Handles the result of the file read fs.readFile('example.txt', 'utf8', (err,
asynchronously. operation. data) => { ... });

1. File name 1. Error (if any)

2. Encoding 2. File data (if successful)
3. Callback function
Writing Files
Asynchronously
fs.writeFile Writes content to a file
asynchronously.

File name The name of the file to write

to.

Content The text to write to the file.

Callback function Handles the result of the write

operation.
Express.js Framework

Routing
Handles different URL requests.

Middleware
Handles request data before sending a response.

Scalability
Makes it easier to build large-scale apps.
Setting Up Express
1 Create Project Folder
Create a folder for your project and a package.json
file.

2 Install Express
Run npm install express to install Express.js.

3 Create a Basic Express Application

Import Express and create an Express app instance.
Handling Routes in Express

app.get() app.post() Route Parameters

Defines a route for GET requests. Defines a route for POST requests. Use :name to create dynamic routes.
Middleware in
Express.js
Think of middleware as security checkpoints when you're entering a
building.

Before you reach your destination (route), you pass through multiple
checkpoints that check your ID (authorization), scan you for metal
(data validation), and sometimes direct you to the right path (routing).
Error Handling in Express.js
1 Analogy: Customer Service
Imagine a customer service desk where something goes wrong. The situation
can be handled by solving the problem or forwarding it to a higher level.

2 Error Handling Middleware

In Express, error handling middleware catches errors and either handles them or
forwards them to a centralized error handler.

3 Error Forwarding with next()

If you want to skip regular middleware and directly handle an error, you can use
next() with an error object.

4 Error-handling Middleware
This middleware is used to catch errors. By convention, it has four arguments,
with the first being the error object (err).
Middleware Flow Example (Bringing it Together)
Request Logging
1
Logs every request to the console.

Authentication Check
2
Verifies user authentication.

Dashboard Route
3
Accessible only to authenticated users.

Error Handling
4
Catches and handles errors.

Middleware functions run in order, processing the request before it reaches the route handler. Errors are caught by the error-handling middleware
at the end.
What are Static Resources?
Static Resources Dynamic Content

Static resources are parts of a website that don’t change Dynamic content is the opposite of static resources.
depending on the user or time.
It changes based on user actions or time, such as movie
Examples include images, stylesheets, or scripts. listings or news articles.
Serving Static Resources

Restaurant Analogy Accessing Static Files

Think of your Express server as a restaurant kitchen. The When you run the server, you can visit http://localhost:3000
public folder is like the pantry where you store pre-made in your browser, and the index.html file will be served
food (static files). automatically.
Introduction
Node.js and MongoDB
This session will cover connecting a Node.js application to
MongoDB, both locally and in the cloud using MongoDB Atlas.

Mongoose ODM
We'll use Mongoose, an Object Document Mapper (ODM)
library, to interact with MongoDB in a structured way.

Learning Objectives
• Install and set up MongoDB locally

• Connect a Node.js app to a MongoDB database

• Use MongoDB Atlas for production-ready applications

Middleware Flow Example
1 Request Arrives
The client sends a request to the server.

2 Middleware Execution
Middleware functions are executed in the order they are defined.

3 Route Handler
The request reaches the appropriate route handler.

4 Response Sent
The server sends a response back to the client.
Serving Static Resources

Static Files
Express.js can serve static files like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript from a designated
directory.

Public Directory
By default, Express looks for static files in a 'public' directory within your project.

Serving Files
Use the `express.static()` middleware to configure the directory for serving static files.
Setting Up Node.js with MongoDB
While running MongoDB locally is useful for development, you often need a scalable, cloud-based solution for production. This is where MongoDB Atlas comes in.

MongoDB Atlas is a cloud-based database service that makes it easy to deploy and manage MongoDB databases. You don’t have to worry about server maintenance, backups, or
scaling.

Create an Account
1 Visit MongoDB Atlas and create a free account.

Create a Cluster
2
Follow the setup instructions to create a new cluster.

Whitelist Your IP
3
MongoDB Atlas requires you to whitelist the IP addresses from which you’ll connect.

Create a Database User

4
Add a database user and password that Node.js will use to connect to MongoDB.

Get the Connection String

5
After your cluster is ready, you’ll get a connection string.
Setting Up Node.js with
MongoDB
Node.js Setup
We've covered how to set up a Node.js app to connect with MongoDB
locally using Mongoose.

MongoDB Atlas
We've also explored how to use MongoDB Atlas for a cloud-based
database.

Mongoose Models
We've learned how to create and retrieve documents (users) using
Mongoose models.