Hello World & REPL

Getting started with Node.js is easy. In this guide, we will run our first script and explore the interactive terminal.

Run Your First Script

1. Create a file named app.js.
2. Add the following code:

   console.log("Hello, Node.js!");

3. Run it from your terminal:

   node app.js

You should see Hello, Node.js! printed in your console.

The REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop)

The REPL is an interactive environment where you can execute JavaScript code line by line. It’s great for testing small snippets.

How to use it:

1. Open your terminal and type node.
2. Start typing JavaScript:

   > 2 + 2
   4
   > const name = "Antigravity"
   undefined
   > `Hello ${name}`
   'Hello Antigravity'

Useful REPL Commands:

• .exit or Ctrl + C (twice): Exit the REPL.
• .help: See all available commands.
• .clear: Resets the context.

[!TIP] Use the REPL to quickly test a new JavaScript method or debug a logic piece before putting it into a file.