Scribd
Upload
14 views2 pages

04 Executing Node Code

Node.js allows JavaScript to handle web requests by providing a way to access network features through built-in modules. The http module is used to receive and respond to HTTP messages, enabling the creation of a server that listens for incoming requests. A reusable mental model emphasizes that JavaScript labels trigger Node C++ features, which then access system-level capabilities.

Uploaded by

utku nihat tekin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views2 pages

04 Executing Node Code

Node.js allows JavaScript to handle web requests by providing a way to access network features through built-in modules. The http module is used to receive and respond to HTTP messages, enabling the creation of a server that listens for incoming requests. A reusable mental model emphasizes that JavaScript labels trigger Node C++ features, which then access system-level capabilities.

Uploaded by

utku nihat tekin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

🧠 Node.

js: Letting JavaScript Handle Web Requests


🎯 The Goal
Write JavaScript code that:

• Receives an incoming message (e.g., user opening twitter.com).


• Inspects the message (looks at what it’s asking for).
• Sends back the appropriate response (e.g., tweets, HTML, data).

🧩 The Problem
JavaScript can’t directly:
• Access the network card.
• Receive HTTP messages.

🧰 The Solution: Node.js + Built-in Modules


• Node.js provides features written in C++ that interface with the OS/network.
• JavaScript accesses those C++ features using special labels (built-in identifiers).
These labels in JavaScript are linked to actual Node C++ features.

🌐 Handling Web Requests


To receive HTTP messages, Node provides a special module:
• http → accesses the network and handles HTTP-formatted messages.
When you type a URL and press enter:
• Your browser sends a message in HTTP format (HyperText Transfer Protocol).
• It's a structured request asking for a webpage, file, etc.

🔌 Sockets: Opening a Channel


• To receive messages, we must open a socket (an open two-way internet connection).
• This is done using Node's http module.
💡 JavaScript + Node’s HTTP Module
You write something like:
js
CopyEdit
const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {


// `req` = incoming request object
// `res` = response object you send back
res.end('Hello from Node.js');
});

server.listen(3000); // Open socket on port 3000

• http.createServer(...) is the JavaScript label that:


• Triggers C++ code in Node
• Opens the socket
• Tells JavaScript what code to run when a request is received

⚠️ Note on Accessing the http Label


• This label isn’t magically available like setTimeout in the browser.
• You must explicitly import it:
js
CopyEdit
const http = require('http');

🔁 Reusable Mental Model


Will’s emphasis:
This model applies to almost every Node.js feature.

• You use a JavaScript label (like http, fs, net)


• That label triggers a Node C++ feature
• The feature accesses a system-level capability (network, file system, etc.)

You might also like