If there's one thing we know and love about Javascript, it's how versatile it can be.

Traditionally used for frontend browser scripting, JavaScript has evolved into a powerful language capable of full-stack development.

And thanks to Node.js, we can now use JavaScript to build fast and efficient server-side applications.

If youre learning how to code in JavaScript, its definitely worth exploring Node.js and the capabilities of using your JS skills to build everything from backends to command-line tools and native mobile apps.

As with vanilla JavaScript, there are loads of great resources available for free online for learning the specifics of Node.js.

But before we check those out lets get a brief overview of Node.js:

What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source backend JavaScript runtime environment built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine.

It allows developers to use JavaScript code to write command-line tools and server-side scripts outside of a browser context.

Node.js is asynchronous and event-driven, meaning it is optimised for high-performance, real-time web applications.

Code execution in Node.js is non-blocking, allowing it to handle thousands of concurrent connections with minimal overhead.

Some key advantages of Node.js include its speed, scalability, active open-source community, and the ability to use JavaScript on both the frontend and backend.

Why Learn Node.js?

There are many benefits to learning Node.js for aspiring web developers:

• It uses JavaScript, the most popular programming language in the world, so skills are transferable.

• The non-blocking I/O model makes it fast and efficient for real-time applications.

• npm, the Node package manager, provides access to over 1 million free libraries.

• High demand for Node.js developers means lucrative job opportunities.

• Allows full-stack JavaScript development using the MERN or MEAN stacks.

Node.js and Full-Stack Development

In full-stack web development, Node.js is often used to create the server-side component.

By combining Node.js on the backend with JavaScript on the frontend, entire apps can be created using one language.

For example, the MERN stack uses Node.js + Express for the backend, React for frontend, and MongoDB for the database. MEAN is similar but substitutes Angular for React.

Learning Node.js is a great way to boost your full-stack abilities and create production-ready web apps and APIs.

Now that we know how great Node.js is, lets take a look at the 5 top platforms to learn Node.js for free:

#1 - Codecademy

Codecademy's Learn Node.js course provides an introductory yet comprehensive overview of server-side web development using the Node.js runtime environment.

The course covers the essential components of back-end development and offers hands-on experience with Node.js, perfect if you already have a strong foundation in JavaScript,

Completing this course will give you the skills needed to explore and implement popular Node frameworks like Express.js for developing applications.

#2 - JavaScript Tutorial

JavaScript Tutorial's Node.js guide is a detailed, hands-on tutorial designed for individuals with basic JavaScript skills.

The course covers everything from Node.js fundamentals and module systems to advanced topics like building RESTful APIs with Express and interacting with MongoDB via Mongoose.

It also delves into error handling and implementing authentication and authorisation, offering a well-rounded skill set for effective Node.js development.

#3 - Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Learn's "Build JavaScript applications with Node.js" learning path is a modular and in-depth educational program, aimed at giving you essential Node.js skills.

The course comprises six modules that cover a wide range of topics from a foundational introduction to Node.js and working with npm dependencies, to debugging with Visual Studio Code and file manipulation.

It also provides focused units on building web APIs with Express, and managing routes to handle incoming HTTP requests. Designed to be interactive, each module is set in the Node.js runtime and uses JavaScript as the primary programming language, offering you a practical, hands-on experience.

#4 - The Odin Project

The Odin Project's Node.js course offers a smooth journey from server-side basics to advanced back-end development using Express, the leading JavaScript back-end framework.

This hands-on course not only introduces Node.js and back-end concepts but also provides practical training on debugging, working with MongoDB, and implementing CRUD operations through the MVC pattern.

You will also explore topics like authentication, API security, and testing for both routes and database operations. As well as a variety of real-world projects ranging from a simple informational site to complex applications like a messaging app and a blog API.

#5 - GeeksForGeeks

GeeksforGeeks offers a detailed Node.js tutorial that goes beyond the basics to cover a wide array of modules and functionalities.

The course is designed to be comprehensive, beginning with installation guides for both Linux and Windows, and leading into essential concepts like Node.js REPL and NPM. It offers an in-depth exploration of various Node.js modulesranging from File System and HTTP to more specialised modules like Crypto and DNS.

This tutorial serves as a one-stop resource for anyone looking to understand Node.js from the ground up, providing both theoretical explanations and practical examples for each module.

Bonus - YouTube Videos

If you enjoy watching videos, YouTube is a great place to learn Node.js, here are some great courses:

• Node.js Full Course for Beginners - by Dave Gray

• Node.js Tutorial for Beginners: Learn Node in 1 Hour - by Code with Mosh

• Node.js and Express.js - by freeCodeCamp

To conclude, if youre already learning JavaScript or have an interest in back-end development, then getting to know Node.js is a great stepping stone for furthering your knowledge.

Full-stack developers are high in demand and with so many free resources available its easier than ever to get involved and enhance your career.

Each platform shared offers a unique angle to get you up to speed with Node.js highly popular and versatile runtime environment.

And if theres one thing they share in common its the goal of turning you into a proficient Node.js developer in the most frictionless way possible.

Theres Node more excuses!

From your fellow ever-growing dev,

Cherlock Code

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