

This makes it possible to build back-end applications using the same JavaScript programming language you may be familiar with. It's also built on the Chrome V8 JavaScript engine. Node.js provides a runtime environment outside of the browser. And it was used to build only front-end applications.

Before Node.js was created, JavaScript could only run in a browser. That is why they can run JavaScript code. And to run your code, you need a runtime environment.īrowsers like Chrome and Firefox have runtime environments. Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment: When you write JavaScript code in your text editor, that code cannot perform any task unless you execute (or run) it. Node.js is cross-platform: Node.js is not dependent on any operating system software. The Node.js contribution guide shows you how to contribute. And it's maintained by contributors from all over the world. Node.js is open-source: This means that the source code for Node.js is publicly available. So let's break it down and understand what it means. But for a beginner, this definition might raise further questions. This sounds like a cool, straightforward answer. What is Node.js? "Node.js is an open-source and cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment." - v Docs How the Node.js environment differs from the browser.In this article, you will learn about Node.js. Node.js allows developers to create both front-end and back-end applications using JavaScript.
