This database is called the NPM registry. NPM is made up of a command line client (called NPM as well) and an online database of paid-for packages (public and private).

NPM is the default package manager for Node.js. (NPM actually stands for “Node.js Package Manager.”) It’s the tool that lets you connect to a registry that has the Node.js modules, programs, and plugins, so it’s extremely useful. Most people colloquially refer to NPM as the “node pack manager” because that’s essentially what it does. Essentially, when you learn Node.js, you can provide scalability and throughput in applications, whether input/output or real-time. Node.js also has an event-driven architecture, meaning it’s capable of asynchronous I/O.

This means that Node.js enables JavaScript to create server-side scripts to make dynamic webpages before the user’s browser actually receives the page.Ī major benefit of learning Node.js is it allows JavaScript to act as a universal language encompassing both the server-side and client-side. Node.js allows JavaScript to be used for command line tools and server-side scripting. Using Node.js greatly widens the applicability of JavaScript. If you don’t learn Node.js, JavaScript is limited to being used as a client-side language and can only be processed in browsers. Node.js allows JavaScript to be used as a server-side programming language. Node.js is an open-source JavaScript run-time environment that is cross-platform and executes JavaScript outside browsers. With that said, let’s go over what Node.js and NPM actually are. A great way to learn is earning a JavaScript certificate of completion, which will teach you the language’s essentials. If you don’t know how to use the command line, you’re going to have a harder time installing and using either Node.js or NPM. These three are among the most popular technologies, and you’ll need a working knowledge of the Node system to use them.įirst, and this is especially important, make sure you know the basics of how to use the command line. Node.js and NPM are essential to using JavaScript development tools, such as Webpack, Gulp, and Grunt. How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows

Install node js windows