Setting Up
JavaScript Environment

Introduction

Before you start writing JavaScript code, you need a proper environment to run and test your programs. The good news? You don’t need to install any complex tools to get started. A simple web browser and a text editor are enough!

Option 1: Using Browser Console (No Installation Needed)

All modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge come with built-in Developer Tools that include a JavaScript Console. This is the easiest way to get started.

Steps:

1. Open your browser (e.g., Google Chrome).
2. Right-click on any page → Click Inspect.
3. Go to the Console tab.
4. Type JavaScript code and press Enter.

Example:

console.log("Hello, JavaScript World!");

Output:

Hello, JavaScript World!

Question:

Q: Why is this a good starting point?

A: Because it requires no installation and lets you test basic syntax instantly.

Option 2: Using Node.js

If you want to run JavaScript outside the browser (e.g., for backend or automation scripts), Node.js is essential.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Visit the official website: https://nodejs.org and download the LTS version.

Verify Installation:

node -v

npm -v

Output:

v18.17.0
9.6.7

Step 2: Run JavaScript in Terminal

node

console.log("Node.js is working!");

.exit

Output:

Node.js is working!

Step 3: Run JS File from Command Line

Create a file named app.js with the following code:

console.log("Running from a file");

Run it using:

node app.js

Output:

Running from a file

Option 3: Using VS Code (Visual Studio Code)

Visual Studio Code is a lightweight code editor ideal for writing JavaScript.

Step 1: Download and Install

Visit https://code.visualstudio.com/ and install VS Code.

Step 2: Create a Project Folder

mkdir js-course
cd js-course

Step 3: Open the Folder in VS Code

code .

Step 4: Write and Run JavaScript

Create a file named index.js and write:

console.log("Learning JavaScript with VS Code!");

Then run it in terminal:

node index.js

Output:

Learning JavaScript with VS Code!

Question:

Q: Why should I use a text editor like VS Code instead of writing code in the browser console?

A: Text editors help you write, manage, and debug larger projects efficiently. They offer syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, version control, and other features that improve productivity.

Conclusion

You can start writing JavaScript with just your browser, but as you grow, it's better to use tools like Node.js and VS Code. This combination prepares you for both frontend and backend JavaScript development.