Introduction to Node.js & NPM
Learn what Node.js is, its advantages for backend development, and how to use the Node Package Manager (NPM).
Introduction to Node.js & NPM is a free Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 1 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
Welcome to Node.js!
Node.js is a server-side JavaScript runtime — an engine that runs your JS outside the browser, right on a server or your own machine.
Why Node.js is Awesome
Why developers love Node.js: one language front to back, blazing V8 speed, non-blocking I/O for high concurrency, and the massive NPM ecosystem.
How Node.js Works
Node uses an event-driven, non-blocking model: it kicks off a task, registers a callback, and moves on — handling tons of connections without waiting around.
Checking Your Node.js Setup
Check your setup with node -v. See a version number? You're good. If not, grab it from nodejs.org.
Your First Node.js Script
Let's write a classic Hello, World. Drop a console.log into a file named app.js — that's a full Node script.
// app.js
console.log("Hello from CoddyKit Node.js!");Running Your Node.js Code
Run it with node app.js from its folder. Node executes the script and prints your message to the terminal.
Meet NPM (Node Package Manager)
NPM (Node Package Manager) ships with Node and is the world's largest software registry. It installs third-party packages, shares your code, and tracks dependencies.
Starting a New Project with NPM
Start a project with npm init. It walks you through creating package.json — the file holding your project's metadata and dependency list.
Installing Packages with NPM
Add a library with npm install express. NPM downloads it into node_modules and records it in your package.json.
Quick Check on Node.js & NPM
Let's test your understanding of Node.js and NPM.
Recap: Node.js & NPM Fundamentals
You've got the basics: Node.js runs JS on the server, and NPM manages packages via node, npm init, and npm install. Next: modules.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Introduction to Node.js & NPM” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Introduction to Node.js & NPM” is free to read here on the web, and the Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Introduction to Node.js & NPM”?
Learn what Node.js is, its advantages for backend development, and how to use the Node Package Manager (NPM). You practise Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp?
No prior experience is required. Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 1 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Introduction to Node.js & NPM” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp lesson?
Yes. Every Node.js Backend Development Bootcamp lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Introduction to Node.js & NPM
- Node.js Module System Explained
- Asynchronous JavaScript & Event Loop
- Working with the File System & Streams