Node.js HTTP Module

Introduction to Node.js HTTP Module

The Node.js HTTP module is a core module that allows you to create HTTP servers and clients. By using the http.createServer method, you can listen to server ports and respond to HTTP requests. This module is fundamental for building web applications and services in Node.js.

Creating a Simple HTTP Server

To create a basic HTTP server in Node.js, you need to use the http.createServer method. This method returns an instance of an HTTP server that can listen for connections on a specified port. Below is an example of how to create and start a simple HTTP server:

Understanding the Request and Response Objects

When creating a server, the callback function in http.createServer receives two objects: request (req) and response (res). The req object contains information about the HTTP request, such as the request headers and data. The res object is used to respond to the HTTP request, allowing you to set headers, status codes, and send data back to the client.

Handling Different Routes

You can handle different routes by inspecting the req.url property. This allows you to create different responses based on the URL requested by the client. Here's a simple example of handling multiple routes:

Conclusion and Next Steps

In this guide, we covered the basics of using the Node.js HTTP module to create a simple HTTP server. We also explored handling different routes using the req.url property. As a next step, you might want to explore more advanced topics such as using third-party frameworks like Express.js for building more complex server applications.

In the next post of this series, we will explore the URL Module, which offers utilities for URL resolution and parsing.