Node.js: The Unstoppable JavaScript Engine
So, what even is Node.js?
If you’ve been living under a rock, here’s the deal: Node.js is JavaScript on steroids, running outside the browser.
Think of it as JavaScript escaping the cage of the browser and deciding it wants to be a full-fledged backend powerhouse.
And it’s not just for web servers—oh no, it does way more than that!
Node.js as a Server
Yeah, Node.js is famous for running servers.
It’s like the friendly neighborhood pizza guy delivering JSON data instead of pepperoni pizzas.
Thanks to its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, it can handle a ton of requests at once without breaking a sweat.
That’s why it’s the backbone of so many modern web applications.
But what if I told you that Node.js isn’t just some backend-only tech?
Enter Electron.
What is Electron?
A Desktop Revolution
Electron is like that one person in a group project who does everything.
It lets you build full-fledged desktop applications using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
And guess what powers it?
Node.js!
How Electron Uses Node.js
Electron combines the Chromium browser with Node.js, making it possible to write desktop apps with the same JavaScript code you’d use for a website.
It’s like running a mini web app, but instead of being trapped in Chrome, it gets its own window like a real application.
Your desktop app in Electron actually consists of two key parts:
Main Process – Runs in Node.js and controls things like menus, system dialogs, and file access.
Renderer Process – Runs in Chromium and takes care of displaying the UI, just like a web browser.
Thanks to this duo, Electron apps can do things normal web apps can’t, like accessing the file system, running background processes, and communicating with the OS.
Fancy!
Node.js and Electron in Obsidian and VS Code
Now, let’s talk about two of the biggest Electron-based apps: Obsidian and Visual Studio Code.
Obsidian: A Markdown Lover’s Paradise
If you’re here, you probably love Markdown (because this article is written in it—meta!).
Obsidian is a Markdown-based knowledge management tool, and guess what?
It runs on Electron, meaning it’s a full-fledged Node.js app wrapped in a desktop UI.
Obsidian takes advantage of Node.js to:
Read and write files directly to your local storage (no need for an internet connection!).
Use plugins, many of which tap into Node.js features.
Keep your vault running smoothly without relying on a remote server.
So, every time you open Obsidian and write notes, you’re basically interacting with a JavaScript-powered desktop app.
Cool, right?
Visual Studio Code: The Editor That Runs Everything
VS Code is THE code editor of choice for a lot of developers, and—surprise, surprise—it’s also built using Electron.
That means every time you open VS Code, you’re basically running a mini web app on your desktop that’s powered by Node.js.
VS Code makes heavy use of Node.js for:
Running the integrated terminal (which is just a shell interface powered by Node.js).
Managing extensions, many of which hook into Node.js functionalities.
Background processing and file system operations.
So yeah, even your beloved code editor is secretly just a giant JavaScript app pretending to be a desktop application.
🤯
Wrapping Up: Node.js is Everywhere
To sum it all up:
Node.js isn’t just for servers; it’s the backbone of many desktop applications thanks to Electron.
Electron lets you build desktop apps using web technologies, with Node.js running behind the scenes.
Obsidian and VS Code are prime examples of Node.js-powered desktop apps you probably use daily.
Basically, if you love JavaScript, Node.js will keep showing up in your life whether you’re building web servers, desktop apps, or something in between.
🚀
🔑 Key Ideas
| Key Idea | Summary |
|---|---|
| Node.js as a server | Node.js is commonly used to run backend servers, handling requests asynchronously. |
|
| Electron overview | Electron combines Node.js and Chromium to create desktop applications using web technologies.
|
| Electron structure | Electron apps have a main process (Node.js) and a renderer process (Chromium).
|
| Obsidian | A markdown-based knowledge management app built using Electron and Node.js.
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| VS Code | A powerful code editor that runs on Electron and heavily uses Node.js.
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| Node.js beyond the server | Node.js is a key player in desktop app development, not just web servers.
|
đź”— References
Obsidian
4.