How to Learn Node.js Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning Node.js is no different. Node.js is used to build software applications that run JavaScript code without needing to access a web browser. This makes it an essential part of the software behind streaming services, mobile applications, and digital assistants, among many other commonly used technologies. If you’ve always wanted to learn Node.js, this guide outlines your options so you can choose the learning method that works best for you.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a commonly used JavaScript library that functions as an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment. It is by far the most commonly used runtime environment in the professional sector, with Node.js being used by over 98% of Fortune 500 companies. It allows users to create server-side architecture using JavaScript to build applications and webpages that constantly communicate information with server infrastructure without needing specific input from either the user or the server. This makes Node.js a vital programming tool for any application that needs to be constantly connected to a server without querying that server continuously. For instance, it is part of the server architecture that allows users to stream video content on the internet without downloading an entire video file. It is what enables online chat tools to function.

Node.js is also an integral tool in the continued development and refinement of the Internet of Things. More and more of our daily lives involve interacting with devices connected to the internet, ranging from our watches and phones to our cars and refrigerators. The various applications that these objects run to serve their niche functions tend to rely on Node.js to build the server environments and handle asynchronous data processing events that allow multiple physical objects to communicate meaningfully with one another over an internet connection. If you are using your voice to ask the virtual assistant on your desk to adjust your thermostat, Node.js infrastructure was likely vital in that exchange.

Read more about what Node.js is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Node.js?

Node.js is an incredibly versatile runtime environment that lets users construct virtually any program that uses the functionality of a webpage without needing to open a web browser. This is vital for many web applications such as almost all direct messaging programs and chatbot software. If you are designing an application and want to include a live chat feature, you will likely need to use Node.js. Node.js is also used for single-page web applications like Google Docs and Gmail. Even something as simple as including push notifications or scrolling news or weather updates in your application will require using Node.js.

Node.js is also a vital part of making the Internet of Things possible. Node.js is one of the key frameworks and runtime environments that allow sensors to detect changes and stimuli and relay that information to a device connected to the internet. This means that if you use the voice command on a digital assistant to tell your Bluetooth speaker system to lower its volume, you are using a program made possible thanks to Node.js. As this technology becomes more advanced and enters sectors like automotive and medical fields, skilled Node.js programmers will be able to construct complex, interconnected, potentially life-saving new technologies.

Live Online Node.js Training

People who don’t live near a training facility or who want to learn Node.js from the comfort of their personal workstations may be interested in enrolling in a live online Node.js course. These classes maintain all the advantages of in-person instruction without requiring students to leave their homes. It’s still possible to interact directly with a live instructor and receive assistance and feedback on their work. Like in-person courses, these courses tend to be more focused on general JavaScript training than Node.js in particular. In addition, students will need to supply their own technology.

Noble Desktop offers all of its Node.js courses through live online instruction. These classes are taught by Noble’s expert instructors and come with all the benefits of an in-person class taken at Noble’s Manhattan campus (except for access to the physical computer lab). Students will benefit from small class sizes and the ability to interface directly with their instructor. It’s even possible for them to allow their instructors to interact directly with their devices and code editors. Plus, students can retake the course anytime within a year. Students may also wish to explore the options offered through other online service providers such as Udemy or Coursera.

On-Demand Node.js Classes

One drawback to most live Node.js training options is that they emphasize teaching JavaScript fundamentals as well. For anyone familiar with JavaScript, an on-demand Node.js course may be an ideal way to target their training toward that specific framework. These classes are also ideal for students who need to learn a specific skill in a specific timeframe. These courses let participants move as quickly or as slowly as they need to, allowing them to learn at their own pace. The drawback is that these courses lack a live instructor, meaning that if students encounter difficulties with their training, they will need to find other ways to receive guidance and feedback.

These courses are available through many service providers such as Udemy and Skillshare. These courses vary in format, delivery method, and cost. The most common kind of on-demand course is a structured and guided set of video lectures, though some are more driven by independent work modules. Some service providers will require students to purchase courses individually, while others will require a regular subscription fee to access a course library.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

Anyone interested in learning the basic features of Node.js without enrolling in an immersive JavaScript course will want to consider their options for free online classes. These classes aren’t a substitute for professional skills training, but they are an ideal place for learning the basics of the library in preparation for more advanced skills training.

Noble Desktop offers a few options for free Node.js instruction. On their official YouTube page, you can watch an Intro to Node.js seminar that provides an overview of the library and its primary functions and applications. You will learn how Node.js works and how developers can use Node.js to build web applications that operate outside a browser's scope. Once you’ve watched this video, if you’re looking for more free online tutorials, you can explore the options available on the Web Development Playlist on their YouTube channel or their Learn JavaScript resources page.

Interested users can also explore free training seminars through providers such as Udemy or Codecademy. These classes will vary in content and delivery style, but they will still provide a basic overview of the features of the Node.js library. Some may also wish to explore the resources on the official Node.js website for free and open-source tools to help them learn how to use the library.

Read about more free Node.js videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning

Given the wide range of options that students have for learning Node.js, some may find it challenging to choose the proper method of instruction. While this will vary from student to student, the most pressing factor in choosing a Node.js course will be your level of comfort with JavaScript. People with extensive JavaScript experience will need different training than those who still need to learn JavaScript (or even programming basics).

Students who feel they need to learn how to code should consider enrolling in an immersive development career-skills course. These classes are designed to take students from novice coders to professional programmers, and they are the ideal place to learn everything from HTML and CSS to Node.js. In addition, these classes tend to offer professional development training. Students with a background in coding or who simply want more focused JavaScript training should consider enrolling in a live JavaScript bootcamp. These courses are more targeted in their training, making them ideal for students who need to fill a skill gap. These courses are offered as live training seminars and can be taken either in-person or online.

Choosing between in-person or online training may come down to a logistical decision. Students will need to gauge whether they can afford the time and effort required to commute to a training facility. Students who can’t (or don’t want to) commute will find their best option for immersive Node.js training through live online instruction. Both of these modes of instruction let students work directly with live instructors who can provide them with assistance and feedback. In an in-person class, students can take advantage of a training center’s computer lab, while online students can work on their personal devices from the comfort of their own workstations.

Students who understand JavaScript and want to receive focused Node.js training should consider enrolling in an on-demand course. These classes let participants learn at their own pace and define the kinds of skills they want to prioritize. This makes them ideal for learning skills like Node.js because students can search for courses that assume familiarity with JavaScript. The drawback to these courses is that even experienced programmers may have difficulties learning Node.js, and on-demand courses aren’t taught by live instructors. This means that students who run into difficulties need to find alternate means of receiving assistance, which can be quite challenging to find and doesn’t guarantee that the assistance is helpful.

Tips to Succeed When Learning Node.js Online

Many students may not be accustomed to online learning environments when they enroll in a Node.js course. These students may find it difficult to shift into a new learning style, but they also shouldn’t be worried. While online learning differs from classroom learning, the quality of the live instruction is just as helpful, and the available resources will help students ensure their training is successful. Still, there are a few things students should consider when starting an online class for the first time.

The first thing students should consider is the setup of their workspace. They will want to make sure they are comfortable and able to work in the same space for an extended period. They should also ensure that their workspace is free from distractions. Students often underestimate how important environment design is to learning. For some, this may be as simple as closing windows or blinds or moving into a different room, while for others, it may involve arranging childcare or asking roommates to leave during online lessons.

Students will also want to ensure they avoid internal temptations that lead to distractions. Studies continually show that people believe they are better at multitasking than they actually are, which can lead students to make learning harder by trying to do other things during lessons. Preventing this will require students to assess their work habits and take appropriate steps to resist distractions. Online classes may lead students to believe they can multitask around the house or on other projects, but this is a surefire way to fall behind in their studies.

For students enrolled in on-demand courses, it is important to prepare in advance by identifying resources and alternate ways of finding assistance if problems arise. On-demand courses lack live instructors, so it falls upon students to address issues as they learn Node.js. While this can sometimes be simple—such as using a search engine to resolve issues—tracking down reliable, up-to-date solutions is often difficult.

Key Insights

• Node.js is a vital JavaScript framework that creates a runtime environment allowing software applications to execute JavaScript code outside a web browser. It is essential to many mobile applications and smart devices.
• Many students interested in learning Node.js will want to consider enrolling in an online training course to study the framework from their personal workspace.
• Live online classes are ideal for students who want to gain the breadth of coding knowledge required to work with Node.js.
• On-demand classes are better suited for students who feel comfortable with their JavaScript knowledge and simply want to learn Node.js.
• Students learning online should take steps to ensure success in their training such as modifying their workstations and finding reliable sources outside their lessons for assistance.
• Those looking for comprehensive, live online Node.js training should consult the options available through Noble Desktop.

Learn Node.js with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Since Node.js is a JavaScript library, it is rarely taught on its own. It is so ubiquitous in professional JavaScript development that it is often taught alongside JavaScript as an equally crucial professional skill. Therefore, those looking to learn how to use Node.js will likely do so within the context of a JavaScript class or bootcamp. In these classes, students will learn the basics of using JavaScript to code web applications. Then they will receive training in how to utilize Node.js to expand the scope and functionality of those web applications. Many of these classes, particularly those with a significant Node.js component, presume that students are familiar with basic coding skills, particularly HTML and CSS, so reviewing course prerequisites is advised.

At Noble Desktop, students can learn Node.js in a wide array of course settings. However, no matter which program you enroll in, you’ll benefit from the chance to interface with expert instructors in their field in small, intimate classes that rarely exceed twenty students. Even online, students will be placed in private classrooms with live instructors who can answer their questions and provide feedback in real-time. You can also retake any course within one year, giving students an extra chance to hone their Node.js skills.

Noble offers JavaScript and Node.js instruction in its web development certificate curriculum. These courses provide hands-on training in JavaScript and Node.js by assigning them projects that reflect the kinds of real-world projects they can expect to work on in their professional lives. You can opt to enroll in the JavaScript Development Certificate program or the Full Stack Development Certificate program. In these classes, you will receive professional career instruction in web development skills, including JavaScript. Students in the JavaScript Development Certificate program will learn how to use the advanced features of JavaScript and Node.js to build complex web applications. Students enrolled in the Full Stack Development Certificate program will receive this training alongside introductory HTML and CSS training, React training, and back-end development instruction.

These courses are career-focused training seminars, meaning they are designed to take students from novices in their field and graduate them as trained professionals ready to enter the workforce as Web Developers. These courses deliver hands-on training in the kinds of Node.js projects students will be hired to work on and provide one-on-one professional mentorship as part of their professional development. Students will conclude the course by working on a final web development sample portfolio. Upon completion, they will be awarded a career development certificate that signals to employers that they are prepared to start working as Node.js experts.