Download and Install Node.js
- Go to https://nodejs.org
- Download the LTS (Long Term Support) version
- Run the installer and follow the instructions
Verify Installation
Open your terminal/command prompt and type:
node --version
npm --version
You should see version numbers for both Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager).
Troubleshooting
If the commands don't work:
- Restart your terminal/command prompt
- Make sure Node.js was added to your system's PATH during installation
- On Windows, you might need to restart your computer
Getting Started
Once you have installed Node.js, let's create your first server that says "Hello World!" in a web browser.
Create a file called myfirst.js and add this code:
let http = require('http');
http.createServer(function (req, res) {
res.writeHead(200, {'Content-Type': 'text/html'});
res.end('Hello World!');
}).listen(8080);
Save the file on your computer, for example: C:\Users\Your Name\myfirst.js
This code creates a simple web server.
When someone visits your computer on port 8080, it will show "Hello World!".
Command Line Interface
Node.js files must be initiated in the "Command Line Interface" program of your computer.
How to open the command line interface on your computer depends on the operating system.
For Windows users, press the start button and look for "Command Prompt", or simply write "cmd" in the search field.
Navigate to the folder that contains the file "myfirst.js", the command line interface window should look something like this:
C:\Users\Your Name>_
Initiate the Node.js File
The file you have just created must be initiated by Node.js before any action can take place.
Start your command line interface, write node myfirst.js and hit enter:
C:\Users\Your Name>node myfirst.js
Now, your computer works as a server!
If anyone tries to access your computer on port 8080, they will get a "Hello World!" message in return!
Start your internet browser, and type in the address: http://localhost:8080
