JavaScript, which once focused on client-side web development, now powers server-side programming. This shift results from the rise of powerful platforms like Node.js and Deno. In this article, we’ll explore how server-side JavaScript has evolved, compare Node.js and Deno, and assess their impact on modern development.
JavaScript initially served as a scripting language for enhancing web pages in the browser. However, with the increasing complexity of web applications, the need for JavaScript on the server side became apparent. This led to the development of server-side JavaScript environments, the most notable being Node.js and Deno.
Node.js was introduced in 2009 by Ryan Dahl. It revolutionized server-side JavaScript by providing a runtime environment built on Chrome’s V8 engine, allowing JavaScript to be executed outside the browser.
const http = require('http');
const hostname = '127.0.0.1';
const port = 3000;
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
res.statusCode = 200;
res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
res.end('Hello World\n');
});
server.listen(port, hostname, () => {
console.log(`Server running at http://${hostname}:${port}/`);
});
Deno is a modern runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript, created by Ryan Dahl (the same creator of Node.js) in 2018. It was designed to address some of the limitations and security concerns associated with Node.js.
node_modules
Directory: Deno uses URLs to import modules, eliminating the need for a node_modules
directory and package.json
file.import { serve } from "https://deno.land/std@0.112.0/http/server.ts";
const server = serve({ port: 8000 });
console.log("Server running on http://localhost:8000");
for await (const req of server) {
req.respond({ body: "Hello World\n" });
}
The rise of server-side JavaScript has dramatically changed the landscape of web development. Node.js has paved the way with its efficient, event-driven architecture, while Deno offers modern improvements and built-in TypeScript support. Both platforms have their strengths and can be chosen based on the specific needs of a project. As server-side JavaScript continues to evolve, keeping up with these advancements will be crucial for developers aiming to leverage the full potential of JavaScript in both client-side and server-side applications.
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