How To Set Up an Environment for NodeJS?
Node.js is a server-side platform built on JavaScript. It has undoubtedly become the most popular runtime environment for executing JavaScript for the right reasons. It is open-source, cross-platform, efficient, and fast.
Hence, developers go for Node.js whenever building any scalable and robust server-side or networking application. Node.js applications are uniquely versatile: they are written in JavaScript and can run in the Node.js runtime on various software like Linux, Microsoft Windows, and OS.
In this blog, we will discuss the process of setting up an environment for Node.js. Moreover, to ensure this process is done optimally, you should consider hiring Node.js developers.
Setting Up Environment for Node.js
The fact that brands like Uber, PayPal, Microsoft, and eBay use Node.js is a statement of its efficiency. However, having a proper development environment is non-negotiable to ensure a productive and fruitful development process.
There are some fundamental requirements for setting up the environment for Node.js. In this part of the blog, we will deal with each component you must be handy with for executing your JavaScript within Node.js runtime.
Install Node.js
The first step to creating a Node.js environment is to download and install Node.js on your computer. You can download the latest version from the official website of Node.js.
On the official website, you will come across two versions of Node.js, one being the LTS (Long Term Version) and the other will be the one with the latest features.
However, it is always advisable to go with the LTS version because it comes with more stability and is known to be compatible with a wide range of modules.
Once you download the file, run the installer and follow the prompts on the screen for the successful installation of Node.js.
Text Editor or IDE
Now that you have the application downloaded on your computer, you also need a tool to write down your program. Thus, before you begin programming, you must ensure that your computer is equipped with a text editor or Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
These editors are the platform where you document the program source code and are called source files. The source code that you write for Node.js is nothing but JavaScript. Once you are done writing the program code, save the file and execute it.
Notepad, Brief, Emacs, or Vim are some of the widely used text editors. However, the editor you use depends on the operating system. While Notepad works on Windows, Vim can be used on Windows and Linux, as well.
Some more advanced editors like Eclipse, Visual Studio Code, Koding, Atom IDE, etc., are embedded with helpful features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, integrated terminal, and debugging capabilities that further streamline the development process.
Version Control System
A version control system is a savior for multiple-people collaboration projects. A source code management tool becomes essential when multiple programmers work parallelly on the same files. The program code is hosted on a server in a code repository.
The central code can be fetched on the local computer, where the programmer can make the necessary updates and then finally push the code back to the hosted repository.
GIT is the most widely used source code management tool that can track and merge changes, ensure project stability, and integrate effortlessly with Node.js. You can download GIT from its official website and complete the configuration to have it up and running.
Establish a Project Directory Structure
Organization is a critical factor for the smooth running of any program. A well-structured project directory makes it easy to locate files and collaborate with other team members, which, in turn, helps in maintaining a clean and manageable database, scalability, and readability.
Maintaining the code in separate modules enhances usability, as these modules can be reused throughout the development cycle and even in your future projects. It also helps to boost productivity as a properly organized database facilitates easier maintenance, making changes, and fixing issues.
Furthermore, a structured project directory eliminates confusion and conflicts when multiple people work together on a project, as there is a standardized method for saving and organizing files.
Initialize a Node.js Project
You can initialize a Node.js project with the command ‘npm init -y’. On running this command, you will be able to generate a ‘package.json’ file, which is a critical metadata element of any Node.js project.
This file stores all the vital details about your project, such as project name, author, description, license, and even the dependencies your project relies on. Thus, this file becomes a blueprint of your entire project and offers a centralized manner to manage the various aspects of your application.
Install Required Packages
You can always rely on modules and packages to supplement the functionality of Node.js. You can use npm to install the modules you require for your project. Express is one such module that you can install to enhance the capabilities of Node.js. Express is a renowned web application framework for Node.js that will further elevate your coding experience.
Wrapping Up
It does not require reiteration that having a well-built environment is the keystone to building functional and seamless Node.js applications. If you follow the above-mentioned steps, you are well on your way to successfully setting up the Node.js environment and creating high-performance applications.
Of course, you can hire Node.js developers for professional assistance in creating your project. They will help ensure scalability, optimize the development process, streamline the overall production, and meet the changing trends of modern development. Happy coding!
