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How Does `require()` Work in Node.js and Why Doesn't it Work in Web Browsers?

Patricia Arquette
Patricia ArquetteOriginal
2024-12-05 03:49:08188browse

How Does `require()` Work in Node.js and Why Doesn't it Work in Web Browsers?

Understanding "require" in JavaScript and Node.js

"require" is an integral part of JavaScript module management, which allows developers to split code into reusable chunks. This concept is used extensively in Node.js but not in web browsers.

Using "require" in Node.js

In Node.js, require() is a built-in function that loads modules. Modules are separate files containing code that can be imported into other scripts. Unlike browser JavaScript, each Node.js module has its own scope, and to access variables or functions in other modules, require() must be used.

For instance, in your code snippet, var pg = require('pg'); loads the pg module, allowing you to use its APIs to connect to and interact with a PostgreSQL database.

Why "require" Doesn't Work in Web Pages

Browser JavaScript does not implement a module system like Node.js. Instead, scripts added to a web page using the