Introduction to Scripting with Node.js | Online

About this class

In this workshop, students will explore how Node.js -- a javascript environment that can be run outside the browser -- can be leveraged to write helpful scripts for cutting edge front-end code. The class will learn first about CommonJS (the "require" keyword) and how it can be used in both Node and in modern front end web applications.

Then, we will delve into writing command line scripts that perform tasks such as reading files from a harddisk and copying files from one directory to another.

We will complete our instruction by building a very simple static site generator that will take markdown files and convert them into HTML webpages (like this).

Takeaways

• Learn how to get started with Node.js
• Learn how to implement browserify dependency management for front-end applications
• Learn how to write CLIs (command line interfaces) with Node.js

Prereqs & Preparation

• Students should have an intermediate understanding of Javascript
• Student should come prepared with a Mac (or unix system) with Node.js installed
• Student should have rudimentary grasp of command line basics