Node.js : Setting Up Node.js "Hello World" Node.js

So according to Node.js's official website http://www.nodejs.org, NodeJs is

“a platform built on Chrome’s JavaScript runtime for easily building fast, scalable network applications. Node.js uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient, perfect for data-intensive real-time applications that run across distributed devices.”

So what does that mean in English?  Well it basically means that Node.js enables developers to use JavaScript like it's a server.  Allowing you to do JavaScript server-side like development without the backend servers.  Under the hood of Node.js is the virtual machine call V8.  If you need something lightweight Node.js should be able to fit the bill especially on the client side.

Here are the steps to step up Node:

1.  Go to the website https://nodejs.org/
2.  Click on the "Downloads" tab
3.  Download the install file for the your system

Linux: Creating a New Virtual Machine for Ubuntu Server

If you are a developer on a shoestring budget, Linux is the way to go if you want to compete with the big boys.  I have nothing against Microsoft, I actually love it a lot on the job.  But when you want to start a personal project, Linux is the way to go, to get the most bang for the buck.

Ubuntu has always been great at offering enterprise level server products for free.  A lot of what you learn with Ubuntu or any server side Linux distribution you can translate into the Windows environment quite easily.  So it's worth the effort.

But before you can do all that you need the Ubuntu server environment up and running.  Instead of going the dual boot route you can have your Windows OS as your main OS and run Ubuntu on a virtual machine, that's where VirtualBox comes in. So let's begin our journey into the world of enterprise Linux.

1. First thing you need is the latest Ubuntu server distribution, you can get it here http://www.ubuntu.com/download/server