Getting Started with Node.js: From Installation to Writing Your First JavaScript Code

Downloading and Installing Node.js

Step 1: Download Node.js

1. Visit the official Node.js website (opens in a new tab).

2. You will see two versions available for download:

   • LTS (Long-Term Support): Recommended for most users as it is more stable.
   • Current: Includes the latest features but may be less stable.

3. Click on the LTS version to download the installer.

Step 2: Install Node.js

1. Run the installer that you downloaded.

2. Follow the installation wizard:

   • Accept the license agreement.
   • Choose the installation path (default is usually fine).
   • Ensure that the option "Add to PATH" is checked (this allows you to use Node.js from the command line).

3. Complete the installation by clicking Finish.

Step 3: Verify Installation

1. Open Command Prompt (CMD) or Terminal.

2. Type the following command to check the installed Node.js version:

   node -v

Writing Your First JavaScript Code in Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code

1. Visit the Visual Studio Code website (opens in a new tab).
2. Download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts to install VS Code.

Step 2: Open VS Code and Create a New File

1. Launch Visual Studio Code.
2. Open a new file by clicking on File > New File or use the shortcut Ctrl + N.
3. Save the file with a .js extension, for example, app.js, by clicking on File > Save As.

Step 3: Write Your First JavaScript Code

1. In the newly created .js file, type the following code:

   console.log("Hello, World!");

2. Save the file.

Step 4: Run the Code in VS Code Terminal

1. Open the integrated terminal in VS Code by clicking on View > Terminal or using the shortcut Ctrl + ` .

2. Ensure that you are in the correct directory where your .js file is saved.

3. Run the code by typing the following command in the terminal:

   node app.js

4. You should see the output Hello, World! printed in the terminal.

Writing and Running JavaScript Code in Command Prompt (CMD)

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2: Navigate to Your Project Directory

1. Use the cd command to change the directory to where you want to save your JavaScript file:

   cd path\to\your\directory

Step 3: Create a JavaScript File

1. Create a new JavaScript file using any text editor (like Notepad) or directly from CMD:

   echo console.log("Hello, World!") > app.js

Step 4: Run the JavaScript Code

1. Execute the JavaScript file using Node.js by typing:

   node app.js

2. The output Hello, World! should appear in the Command Prompt.

✅ Tips and Additions:

• To write code more effectively, install VS Code extensions like ESLint, Prettier, and JavaScript (ES6) code snippets.
• You can install Node.js LTS using a version manager like nvm (Node Version Manager) for better control over multiple Node versions.

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