Node.js Fundamentals
beginnerTopic 3 of 12 in Backend Development
What it is
Node.js lets you run JavaScript outside the browser — on servers, command-line tools, and backend services. It uses an event-driven, non-blocking model that handles many connections efficiently.
Why backend developers need it
If you already know JavaScript from frontend work, Node.js lets you use the same language on the backend. It is widely used for APIs, real-time apps, and microservices.
What to learn
How Node.js differs from browser JavaScript
The module system: require/import
Core modules: fs, path, http, events
npm: installing and managing packages
Asynchronous patterns: callbacks, Promises, async/await
Reading and writing files
Building a basic HTTP server
Environment variables with dotenv
Practice project
File-Based Note Taker
Build a Node.js CLI tool that creates, reads, updates, and deletes notes stored as individual text files in a folder. Add a search command that finds notes by keyword.