Complete Beginner’s Guide: JavaScript
+ [Link] + [Link] + React
What You Will Learn
By the end of this tutorial, you will:
✅ Understand the MERN stack (MongoDB, [Link], React, [Link])
✅ Learn the difference between client-side and server-side JavaScript
✅ Use [Link] to run JS outside the browser
✅ Create a frontend with HTML + JavaScript
✅ Write a basic backend server using [Link]
✅ See how [Link] and React fit into the architecture
Why JavaScript First?
JavaScript is the only programming language that works on both the frontend (browser)
and the backend (server). It is:
- Universal 🌍 (used everywhere)
- Easy to start with
- Supported by modern tools like [Link], React, and [Link]
MERN Stack Architecture
MERN stands for:
M - MongoDB (Database)
E - [Link] (Handles HTTP requests/responses)
R - [Link] (Frontend UI)
N - [Link] (Runs JavaScript backend logic)
Architecture Flow:
Browser (React) → Fetch API / AJAX → [Link] (with [Link]) → MongoDB
Setup on Windows/macOS
1. Install [Link] from [Link]
2. Verify with `node -v` and `npm -v`
3. Install VS Code from [Link]
PART 1: Run JavaScript with [Link]
Create [Link] with:
[Link]("Hello from [Link]!");
Run with:
node [Link]
PART 2: Run JavaScript in Browser
Create [Link] with a button and JavaScript:
<script>
function sayHello() {
alert("Hello from the browser!");
</script>
PART 3: HTML + [Link] Backend
Create folder: node-html-app/
├── public/[Link]
└── [Link]
[Link] sets up HTTP server using [Link] to serve [Link] and handle /api/message
endpoint.
Run with:
node [Link]
Bonus: What is [Link]?
[Link] is a web framework for [Link]. It simplifies backend code for handling routes,
responses, and middleware.
Example:
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
[Link]('/', (req, res) => [Link]('Hello from Express!'));
[Link](3000);
Bonus: What is React?
React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
Key features:
- Component-based architecture
- Virtual DOM
- Used for single-page apps
Example:
function App() {
return <h1>Hello from React!</h1>;
}
Final Summary
JavaScript: Core Language for frontend/backend
[Link]: JS runtime for backend
[Link]: Simplified server framework
React: UI library for frontend
MongoDB: NoSQL database
Next steps:
- Convert server to [Link]
- Build frontend in React
- Connect to MongoDB
- Deploy full MERN app