---
title: Node.js
homepage: https://nodejs.org
tagline: |
  Node.js® is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine.
description: |
  Node is great for simple, snappy HTTP(S) servers, and for stitching APIs together with minimal fuss or muss.

  Installing node via webi will:

    - pick a compatible version from the [Node Releases API](https://nodejs.org/dist/index.tab)
    - download and unpack to `$HOME/.local/opt/node/`
    - update your `PATH` in `$HOME/.config/envman/PATH.env`
    - run `npm config set scripts-prepend-node-path=true`
      - (prevents conflicts with other installed node versions)
    - absolutely leave system file permisions alone
      - (no dreaded `sudo npm` permission errors)
---

Hello World

```bash
node -e 'console.log("Hello, World!")'
> Hello, World!
```

A Simple Web Server

`server.js`:

```bash
var http = require('http');
var app = function (req, res) {
  res.end('Hello, World!');
};
http.createServer(app).listen(8080, function () {
  console.info('Listening on', this.address());
});
```

```bash
node server.js
```

An Express App

```bash
mkdir my-server
pushd my-server
npm init
npm install --save express
```

`app.js`:

```js
'use strict';

var express = require('express');
var app = express();

app.use('/', function (req, res, next) {
  res.end("Hello, World!");
});

module.exports = app;</code></pre>
```

`server.js`:

```js
'use strict';

var http = require('http');
var app = require('./app.js');

http.createServer(app).listen(8080, function () {
  console.info('Listening on', this.address());
});
```

```bash
npm start
```