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How Does Node.js's `require` Function Work for Importing and Using Modules?

Barbara Streisand
Barbara StreisandOriginal
2024-12-03 05:52:09149browse

How Does Node.js's `require` Function Work for Importing and Using Modules?

Understanding "require" in JavaScript and Node.js

Unveiling Require in Node.js

In the realm of Node.js, "require" reigns as a built-in function with a vital purpose: loading modules. Modules, often called packages in other environments, serve as independent, reusable code units that enable developers to partition their applications into modular components.

Unlike browser JavaScript, where scripts have direct access to a shared global scope, Node.js modules operate within their own isolated scopes. To access functionality and data from other modules, scripts must explicitly utilize the "require" function.

In your code snippet, "var pg = require('pg');" imports the pg module, a PostgreSQL client for Node.js, allowing your code to interact with PostgreSQL's APIs. This module loading mechanism is integral to Node.js's module system.

Module System Differences

The primary distinction between Node.js and browser JavaScript lies in their respective module systems. While browser JavaScript utilizes the