Mastering Node.js: Importing JSON and Watch Mode Unveiled

Welcome back to the final installment of our deep dive into local modules in Node.js. In this post, we’re set to unravel the mysteries of importing JSON data and explore the handy watch mode feature introduced in Node.js version 18.

Importing JSON Data: Unleashing the Power of Data

JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, serves as a crucial data interchange format widely employed with web servers. In this segment, we’ll not only delve into importing JSON files but also explore how to harness the power of data encapsulation.

We kick off by creating a new file, data.json. JSON, akin to a JavaScript object, encapsulates key-value pairs. Let’s enhance our example by including more data:

{
  "person": {
    "name": "Kola Kachi",
    "world": "earth",
    "points": 35,
    "occupation": "CEO, kolakachi.com"
  },
  "address": {
    "street": "Wayne Manor",
    "city": "Port harcourt"
  }
}

Our JSON structure now includes details about a person, such as age and occupation, in addition to the existing name and address properties.

Now, switching to our index.js file, we use require to load our JSON data:

const data = require('./data.json');
console.log(data);

Executing node index in the terminal showcases the enriched JSON data seamlessly converted into a JavaScript object. This not only demonstrates the simplicity of importing JSON but also highlights the versatility of this data interchange format.

Watch Mode: A Developer’s Companion

As developers, efficiency is paramount. Node.js version 18 introduced the watch mode, a feature designed to enhance the development experience. By running your script in watch mode, Node.js continuously monitors for changes in your code and restarts the process accordingly.

To engage watch mode, execute the following command in the terminal:

node --watch index.js

With watch mode activated, any modification to your code triggers an automatic restart of the process. This proves particularly handy when fine-tuning your code and observing real-time changes without manual intervention.

A quick tip: While importing JSON files, it’s recommended to include the file extension (e.g., require('./data.json')). Although Node.js attempts to find a .js file before .json, specifying the extension eliminates potential confusion.

Wrapping Up Local Modules

With this, we conclude our exploration of local modules in Node.js. We delved into the CommonJS module format, grasped the nuances of importing and exporting modules, and explored patterns in both CommonJS and ES Modules. Additionally, we demystified the process of importing JSON data and embraced the efficiency of watch mode.

In the upcoming section, we’ll venture into the realm of built-in modules in Node.js. Your journey through the intricacies of Node.js continues, and I appreciate your dedication to mastering this powerful JavaScript runtime.

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