JavaScript: Browser vs Node.js (Simple Guide)

#javascript #programming #webdev #node

JavaScript runs in two main environments. Here’s the short, practical guide with tiny examples you can try today.

1) Browser (Client-Side JavaScript)

Runs directly inside web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge
Used to make webpages interactive: DOM manipulation, animations, form validation, etc.

Example (HTML):

<!doctype html>
<html>
  <body>
    <button onclick="alert('Hello from the browser!')">Click me</button>
    <script>
      // Runs in the browser
      console.log("Browser JS is running");
    </script>
  </body>
</html>

Open this file in your browser and click the button.

2) Node.js (Server-Side JavaScript)

Runs outside the browser on your computer or server
Built on Chrome’s V8 engine, and adds APIs for file system, network, databases, etc.

Example (JavaScript):

js // app.js console.log("Hello from Node.js!");

Run in your terminal:

bash node app.js