Starting a Node.js server is a foundational skill for any web developer looking to build and test applications in a local environment. This article is designed to walk you through the basics of setting up a Node.js server. We'll cover the essentials of running a Node.js server using vanilla Node.js and also delve into how to use Express, a widely-used Node.js framework. Additionally, we'll explain how to gracefully stop your server once it's up and running. Whether you're a beginner or just need a quick refresher, this guide will help you get your Node.js server operational in no time.
Running a Node.js Server Locally
Prerequisites
Node.js Installed: Ensure you have Node.js installed on your machine. You can download it from nodejs.org.
Step 1: Create a Simple Node.js Server
Initialize a Node.js Project: Create a new directory for your project and run npm init in your terminal to create a package.json file.
Create a Server File: Create a file named server.js.
Write the Server Code: In server.js, write the following code:
console.log(`Server running at http://localhost:${PORT}/`);
});
Step 2: Run the Server
Start the Server: In your terminal, run node server.js. Your server is now live at http://localhost:3000.
Step 3: Stopping the Server
Stop the Server: To stop the server, simply press Ctrl + C in your terminal.
Running a Node.js Server with Express
Step 1: Install Express
Install Express: In your project directory, run npm install express.
Step 2: Create an Express Server
Modify server.js: Replace the content with the following:
importexpressfrom"express";
const app =express();
constPORT=3000;
app.get("/",(req, res)=>{
res.send("Hello from Express!");
});
app.listen(PORT,()=>{
console.log(`Express server running at http://localhost:${PORT}/`);
});
Step 3: Run the Express Server
Start the Server: Like before, run node server.js. Your Express server is now accessible at http://localhost:3000.
Step 4: Stopping the Express Server
Stop the Server: Use Ctrl + C in the terminal to stop the server.
Running a Node.js Server with RunJS
The previous options require you to install and use several separate pieces of software, but what if you could do it all with just one app?
That's where RunJS can help. It integrates Node.js and can run your code automatically. To get started, download and install RunJS. Then, run one of the code examples from above.
As you can see, RunJS makes it extremely easy to write and run code.
Conclusion
Running a Node.js server locally is a straightforward process. Whether you're using plain Node.js or Express, these steps will get your local server up and running in no time. Remember to stop the server using Ctrl + C when you're done. Happy coding!
Using Ctrl+C : This is the simplest and most common way to stop a Node. js server running in the terminal. It sends an interrupt signal (SIGINT) to the process, typically causing it to gracefully shut down.
First, create a new Node.js project or navigate to your existing project directory and initialize it with npm init . This command will prompt you to enter various details about your project, including the name, version, description, entry point, and more. For the entry point, you typically specify index.
To start an npm project, you can run npm init in the directory where you want to initiate the project. You will be prompted with some prompts about the name of the project and some other stuff that you can just skip by pressing enter . After that a package. json file will be created.
To start an application in the background, you simply append & at the end of the command. Using the example from earlier, node index. js & will start your Node. js server in the background which will stay up even after you close the terminal or SSH connection to your production server.
js (Node) is an Open Source, cross-platform runtime environment for executing JavaScript code. Node is used extensively for server-side programming, making it possible for developers to use JavaScript for client-side and server-side code without needing to learn an additional language.
You can provide port number and custom test command, in that case npm start is assumed to start the server. or for multiple ports simply: server-test '8000|9000' test . The above script ci after the 127.0. 0.1:9000 responds executes the npm run test:unit command.
Node.js® is a free, open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that lets developers create servers, web apps, command line tools and scripts.
Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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