Node.js Modules
What is a Module in Node.js?
Consider modules to be the same as JavaScript libraries.
A set of functions you want to include in your application.
Built-in Modules
Node.js has a set of built-in modules which you can use without any further installation.
Look at our Built-in Modules Reference for a complete list of modules.
Include Modules
To include a module, use the require() function with the name of the module:
var http = require('http');
Now your application has access to the HTTP module, and is able to create a server:
http.createServer(function (req, res) {
res.writeHead(200, {'Content-Type': 'text/html'});
res.end('Hello World!');
}).listen(8080);
Create Your Own Modules
You can create your own modules, and easily include them in your applications.
The following example creates a module that returns a date and time object:
Example
Create a module that returns the current date and time:
exports.myDateTime = function () {
return Date();
};
Use the exports keyword to make properties and methods available outside the module file.
Save the code above in a file called "myfirstmodule.js"
Include Your Own Module
Now you can include and use the module in any of your Node.js files.
Example
Use the module "myfirstmodule" in a Node.js file:
var http = require('http');
var dt = require('./myfirstmodule');
http.createServer(function (req, res) {
res.writeHead(200, {'Content-Type': 'text/html'});
res.write("The date and time are currently: " + dt.myDateTime());
res.end();
}).listen(8080);
Run example »
Notice that we use ./ to locate the module, that means that the module is located in the same folder as the Node.js file.
Save the code above in a file called "demo_module.js", and initiate the file:
Initiate demo_module.js:
C:\Users\Your Name>node demo_module.js
If you have followed the same steps on your computer, you will see the same result as the example: http://localhost:8080
