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What Is Node?
Node.js. It’s the latest in a long line of “Are you cool enough to use me?” programming languages, APIs, and toolkits. In that sense, it lands squarely in the tradition of Rails, and Ajax, and Hadoop, and even to some degree iPhone programming and HTML5.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll hear that Node.js (or, as it’s more briefly called by many, simply “Node”) is a server-side solution for JavaScript, and in particular, for receiving and responding to HTTP requests. If that doesn’t completely boggle your mind, by the time the conversation heats up with discussion of ports, sockets, and threads, you’ll tend to glaze over. Is this really JavaScript? In fact, why in the world would anyone want to run JavaScript outside of a browser, let alone the server?
The good news is that you’re hearing (and thinking) about the right things. Node really is concerned with network programming and server-side request/response processing. The bad news is that like Rails, Ajax, and Hadoop before it, there’s precious little clear information available. There will be, in time — as there now is for these other “cool” frameworks that have matured — but why wait for a book or tutorial when you might be able to use Node today, and dramatically improve the maintainability.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll hear that Node.js (or, as it’s more briefly called by many, simply “Node”) is a server-side solution for JavaScript, and in particular, for receiving and responding to HTTP requests. If that doesn’t completely boggle your mind, by the time the conversation heats up with discussion of ports, sockets, and threads, you’ll tend to glaze over. Is this really JavaScript? In fact, why in the world would anyone want to run JavaScript outside of a browser, let alone the server?
The good news is that you’re hearing (and thinking) about the right things. Node really is concerned with network programming and server-side request/response processing. The bad news is that like Rails, Ajax, and Hadoop before it, there’s precious little clear information available. There will be, in time — as there now is for these other “cool” frameworks that have matured — but why wait for a book or tutorial when you might be able to use Node today, and dramatically improve the maintainability.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2011
224 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 4, 2014
As long as you're clear what this is, I think it delivers on it. It's basically a 30 minute read about what Node is and when/why you would use it. It doesn't teach you Node, but it doesn't purport to do so either. Plus it's free (at least it was when I got it). If I'd paid more than $1 for it, then I'd probably give it 1 star.
May 7, 2015
Pude haber leído la entrada de Wikipedia y habría aprendido más. Buen post para un blog (que es de donde supongo que salió).
October 1, 2020
A short introduction to Node.js. A bit of history, an example, use-case, ... Why they put this out in book format I do not know. It is basically a long read blog post. Anyway, it gave me some background information.
Quote:
"Learning Node might take a little effort, but it’s going to pay off. Why? Because you’re afforded solutions to your web application problems that require only JavaScript to solve."
Quote:
"Learning Node might take a little effort, but it’s going to pay off. Why? Because you’re afforded solutions to your web application problems that require only JavaScript to solve."
December 13, 2017
Why this is a book and not a blog post, I have no idea?.? I have seriously read blogs longer than this. Don't waste your time unless you are already a Node developer.
February 2, 2018
Good book
I find this book very easy to understand and concepts were explained very well. I recommend this book for any reader experienced or not.
I find this book very easy to understand and concepts were explained very well. I recommend this book for any reader experienced or not.
August 26, 2018
Good
Good book for node js and easy to pickup the complex topics. It is expressed in simple and straightforward approach.
Good book for node js and easy to pickup the complex topics. It is expressed in simple and straightforward approach.
August 21, 2019
Didn't expect the brevity but it did a good job introducing you to the concepts.
October 3, 2019
More of an article in a kindle book form
July 24, 2015
It's an essay, not a book, or perhaps the introduction to a book. As far as an explanation goes, it's not good. It's unnecessarily simplistic, with way too much hand holding for "non-coders." Who is going to want to read this? Non-coders? I doubt it. The truth is it's a free give away on a hot topic. McLaughlin is building download numbers to establish credibility without have to do any work, a gambit that will probably work.
May 5, 2019
Good introduction to Node
The book answers the basic questions which many beginners in NodeJS usually have. Examples are basic, easy to follow & provide the idea of simplicity.
The book answers the basic questions which many beginners in NodeJS usually have. Examples are basic, easy to follow & provide the idea of simplicity.
January 10, 2020
Quick good explanation of what node is and what it does server-side javascript is a game changer on. Programming language for a full stack devoplment with node as the backend.
Good quick and to the point it doesn't teach you javascript but tells you what node is and what it can do i enjoyed it because of this no code just an better understanding of what node is and can do.
Good quick and to the point it doesn't teach you javascript but tells you what node is and what it can do i enjoyed it because of this no code just an better understanding of what node is and can do.
May 10, 2014
This may as well have been an article in some webpage. Very good lecture though. Also i got it for free on amazon so no complains on the price. If you are a bit curious about nodejs, have half an hour free and you can get it for free go ahead and read it.
August 22, 2015
Short and to the point
Very short but somewhat effective introduction to Node. Examples of typical node architectures would have been nice to see what other technologies would play nicely with Node.
Very short but somewhat effective introduction to Node. Examples of typical node architectures would have been nice to see what other technologies would play nicely with Node.
July 15, 2016
The title says it all....
Good paper for explaining what Node is, what it is that it does, what it is best at and so forth. A must read for anyone thinking whether or not they should invest time on learning it.
Good paper for explaining what Node is, what it is that it does, what it is best at and so forth. A must read for anyone thinking whether or not they should invest time on learning it.
December 25, 2016
Good Intro
Great introduction for those uninitiated. Spelling correction for next revision: "As simple as it sounds, there are tends[tens] of thousands of web applications submitting forms with Ajax, just because the lead web developer is up on Ajax."
Great introduction for those uninitiated. Spelling correction for next revision: "As simple as it sounds, there are tends[tens] of thousands of web applications submitting forms with Ajax, just because the lead web developer is up on Ajax."
October 9, 2012
Basic introduction to the Node.js technology. A nice and short read, up to the point.
Seems too short though for such a technology, hence the 3 stars.
Seems too short though for such a technology, hence the 3 stars.
August 15, 2013
Good introduction for the first thing you ever read about Node. It gives you a solid start and points you in right direction to continue.
February 11, 2014
Nice introduction to Node.js
March 23, 2014
Certainly explained the reason for using Node.js, but left me wanting to learn more.
August 21, 2014
What Is Node is an interesting introductory book about Node.js. It'll explain you what the technology is and what it's designed for. I recommend the reading! :-)
November 1, 2015
It's good for what it is, but it's too short to really provide much value.
January 11, 2016
A simple introduction to NodeJS. Not suitable for people who want a complete reference for NodeJS. For me, this book is like reading a wiki page on NodeJS. Don't expect more than this!
March 28, 2016
Great introduction
Being wanting to dive deep into Node for a while now and this book really gave me the head start. Thanks!
Being wanting to dive deep into Node for a while now and this book really gave me the head start. Thanks!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews