Node.js Internal Modules
In addition to global objects, Node.js comes with a collection of internal modules (also known as built-in or Core modules).
These libraries are part of the Node.js installation and do not need to be installed via npm.
They provide essential functionalities for interacting with the operating system, creating servers, handling events, and much more.
They form the foundation upon which many Node.js applications are built.
Synopsis:
Internal modules are loaded using the `require()` function (or `import` if you are using ES Modules) by their name.
- 1. fs (File System):
Allows interaction with the operating system's file system. You can read, write, create, delete, and rename files and directories. It offers synchronous and asynchronous versions of its methods.
- 2. `http`:
Fundamental for creating HTTP web servers and making HTTP requests. It allows building RESTful APIs and serving web content.
- 3. path:
Provides utilities for working with file and directory paths, independently of the operating system (Windows, Linux, macOS). Essential for building secure and portable paths.
- 4. `events`:
Node.js is based on an event-driven programming model. This module allows you to work with the "Observer" or "Publisher/Subscriber" pattern, creating and listening to custom events.
- Other important modules:
- url: For parsing and manipulating URLs.
- querystring: For working with URL query strings.
- util: Contains utility functions, such as util.promisify for converting callback-based functions into promises.
- os: Provides information about the operating system and network.
- stream: For working with data streams (reading/writing).
Purpose and Usage:
- Core Functionality: These modules provide the fundamental capabilities that make Node.js a powerful runtime environment for server-side applications.
- System Interaction: They allow your application to interact directly with the file system, network, and the Node.js process itself, which is essential for most backend applications.
- Tool Building: They are the basis for building command-line tools, web servers, data processing systems, and more.
- Asynchronicity: Many of the methods in these modules are designed to be asynchronous, leveraging the Node.js Event Loop for optimal performance.
Mastering these internal modules is a crucial step to becoming a competent Node.js developer, as they allow you to build applications from scratch and understand how many third-party libraries work under the hood.
Exercises
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