What is it?
- Node.js provides several built-in methods, which are functions included within the Node.js runtime environment, accessible without the need for external libraries or packages.
- These methods cover a wide range of functionalities, including file system operations, network communication, error handling, and more.
How is it used?
- Built-in methods in Node.js can be invoked directly within Node.js scripts or modules. They are typically called using dot notation on relevant objects or modules.
- For example, to read a file using the built-in fs (file system) module, you would use the fs.readFile() method.
const fs = require('fs'); // Read a file using the fs.readFile() method fs.readFile('example.txt', 'utf8', (err, data) => { if (err) { console.error('Error reading file:', err); return; } console.log('File content:', data); });
This example shows how to use the built-in fs module in Node.js to read a file asynchronously using the fs.readFile() method.
Why is it needed?
- Built-in methods in Node.js provide essential functionality for developing various types of applications, such as web servers, command-line tools, utilities, and more.
- They streamline development by offering a comprehensive set of tools and utilities out of the box, reducing the need for external dependencies and simplifying the development process.
- These built-in methods help developers accomplish common tasks efficiently and reliably within the Node.js environment.