Working with Files and Directories
Learn to handle file system operations in Node.js using the fs module, including directory listing, metadata access, folder management, and error handling.
The file system is a core component of most back-end applications, enabling us to store, organize, and retrieve data. Node.js provides the fs module, a built-in library that allows us to interact with the file system programmatically. It supports tasks like reading and writing files, managing directories, and retrieving file details. The module offers both synchronous and asynchronous methods, including a Promise-based API for more readable and manageable code.
Promises: A quick recap
Recall that promises provide a structured way to handle asynchronous tasks in JavaScript. They enable chaining operations, managing errors effectively, and writing more maintainable code compared to callbacks. Using
.then()for results and.catch()for errors, promises simplify the flow of complex asynchronous operations.
With the fs module, we can handle a wide range of file-related tasks, such as:
Managing logs and configurations.
Creating and removing files or directories.
Automating backups or processing user-generated files.
By mastering these features, we can create applications that efficiently handle file system operations while maintaining reliability and organization.
Reading and writing files
We’ve previously explored how to read and write files using the fs module, but let’s take a closer look at these fundamental operations. Node.js provides both synchronous and asynchronous methods for these operations, allowing flexibility based on the needs of the application.
Asynchronous operations with Promises
The asynchronous methods ...