Node.js

What is Node? #

JavaScript Runtime: A JS runtime that can be used without a browser. Usage: Servers, desktop web, mobile web, games, but it's slow, so it's not used in operating systems.

Development Process #

Originally, JS could only be used within web browsers, running through a JS engine called V8 engine developed by Google. However, after Google open-sourced it, Node.js emerged, allowing JS to be used outside the browser.

Limitation: However, because it's outside the browser, document / window objects cannot be used.

Installation #

I used the LTS version from the Node.js installation page. The LTS version stands for Long Term Support, which is a stable version that provides maintenance and updates for 3 years.

Compiled Languages vs. Runtime (Interpreted) Languages #

1. Compiled Languages #

It's a language that translates and executes the entire code into something the CPU can understand. Once translated, the app can run without an executor. It's fast.
C / C++

2. Runtime (Interpreted) Languages #

It can be executed in parts and immediately runs commands as they come. True to its name, 'runtime,' which refers to an environment containing everything needed for execution, a program can only run if an executor is present. It is relatively slower compared to compiled languages.
Python / JS

REPL #

It refers to Node's Shell, a terminal that reads, evaluates, prints, and loops results when a user inputs a value. It's an abbreviation for Read Eval Print Loop.

Express #

It is a representative web framework for Node.js, designed to easily build web servers. For building web servers, it's better to use Express, which allows for detailed manipulation, rather than Node.js, which is designed for broader capabilities.