Initializing Systems...
System 1 · Node.js
Boot up your engines. Learn Node.js architecture, the event loop, the file system, and your first HTTP server.
Node.js — The Engine Room
Discover what makes Node.js unique: single-threaded, non-blocking I/O, and the V8 engine running JavaScript server-side.
The Event Loop Explained
The event loop is the heartbeat of Node.js. Understand the call stack, callback queue, and how async operations actually execute.
Modules — the Cargo System
Master CommonJS (require/module.exports) and ES Modules (import/export). Know which to use and how package.json's 'type' field switches between them.
Core Architecture Debrief
Solidify your Node.js architecture understanding before the File System sector.
Reading the Data Stores
Use fs.readFile and fs.promises.readFile to read files synchronously and asynchronously. Understand encodings and binary data.
Writing & Appending Files
Write data with fs.writeFile and append with fs.appendFile. Build atomic write patterns to prevent data corruption.
Directory & Stream Operations
Traverse directories with readdir, create nested paths with mkdir, and stream large files with fs.createReadStream.
File System Debrief
Review file system patterns before the HTTP Launch Pad.
Your First HTTP Server
Launch an HTTP server with Node's built-in http module. Handle requests, read the URL, and send responses.
Manual Routing
Parse request URLs and methods to route to different handlers — building a mini-router from scratch before meeting Express.
HTTP Strike Mission
Build a full CRUD HTTP server from scratch — no Express — handling GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE with JSON request/response bodies.
HTTP Launch Pad Debrief
Review HTTP fundamentals. Next: NPM and the package ecosystem.
NPM — Package Command Center
NPM is the supply depot for the Node.js universe. Learn install, uninstall, scripts, and the difference between dependencies and devDependencies.
package.json Deep Dive
Decode every field in package.json: scripts, engines, main, exports, and how semantic versioning controls your upgrade safety.
Semantic Versioning Strike
Practice dependency auditing: identify vulnerable packages, update safely, and understand why version ranges matter in production.
Tau Ceti System Debrief
System 1 complete. You're ready for Kepler Station — Express territory.
Create a command-line task manager that reads/writes tasks to a JSON file and supports add, complete, list, and delete commands.