File System (fs)
Read and write files with Node.js! Master the fs module for file operations.
Read and write files with Node.js! Master the fs module for file operations. This hands-on tutorial focuses on practical implementation of file system (fs) concepts.
File System (fs)
Unlike browser JavaScript, Node.js has direct access to your computer's hard drive. You can read, write, and delete files using the fs (File System) module.
1. Reading Files 📖
There are two ways to do this:
- Asynchronous (Recommended): Non-blocking.
- Synchronous: Blocking (stops the program until done).
Note: If you don't specify "utf8", you get a Buffer (raw binary data) instead of a string.
2. Writing Files ✍️
3. The Modern Way: fs/promises ⚡
Callbacks can get messy. Node.js now has a Promise-based version of fs that works great with async/await.
4. Working with Directories 📁
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Quiz
Quiz
Question 1 of 4Which module handles file operations?
Key Takeaways
✅ fs module reads/writes files.
✅ Sync methods block code; Async methods don't.
✅ Use fs/promises for clean async/await code.
✅ fs.unlink deletes files.
What's Next?
We can read files... now let's build a tool that users can interact with from the terminal! Next up: Building CLI Tools.
Keep coding! 🚀