Set Up an Environment to Code in JavaScript

Set Up an Environment to Code in JavaScript

Watch the lesson tutorial  ðŸ”»

Here is a breakdown of two excellent options: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) for local development and Replit for online coding.

1. Install Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

VS Code is a free, open-source, and highly popular code editor created by Microsoft. It's the go-to choice for professional JavaScript and web development due to its rich features, extensive extensions, and fast performance.

What is VS Code?

  • It's a powerful text editor with built-in support for debugging, Git version control, and IntelliSense (smart code completion).

  • It's an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) "lite," providing core tools without the overhead of a full-scale IDE.

  • It is supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Setup Steps for JavaScript

  1. Download and Install:

    • Go to the official Visual Studio Code website and download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

    • Run the installer and follow the prompts. The default settings are usually sufficient, but you can select options like "Add 'Open with Code' action to Windows Explorer context menu" to improve your workflow.

  2. Install Node.js (Recommended):

    • While you can run basic JavaScript in a web browser, installing Node.js is highly recommended. It is a JavaScript runtime that allows you to execute JavaScript code outside of a browser (server-side, command-line tools, etc.).

    • Download the installer from the official Node.js website (choose the LTS - Long-Term Support version).

    • Installation also includes npm (Node Package Manager), which is essential for installing external JavaScript libraries and frameworks.

    • Verify the installation by opening your terminal or command prompt and typing:

      Bash
      node -v
npm -v

      You should see the version numbers for both.

  3. Install Key Extensions:

    • Open VS Code and click on the Extensions icon (or press Ctrl+Shift+X). Search for and install the following:

      • Live Server: Launches a local development server for your HTML/CSS/JS files and automatically reloads the browser when you save changes.

      • Prettier or ESLint: Tools for code formatting and identifying problems, helping you maintain clean and consistent code.

  4. Create and Run Your First File:

    • In VS Code, create a new folder for your project and open it using File > Open Folder.

    • Create a new file inside the folder, for example, hello.js.

    • Write a simple JavaScript command, like console.log("Hello, World!");.

    • Open the Integrated Terminal in VS Code (View > Terminal or Ctrl+``) and run the code using the Node.js runtime:

      Bash
      node hello.js

      The output "Hello, World!" will appear in the terminal.

2. Replit

Replit is a popular, free, and powerful online Integrated Development Environment (IDE). It allows you to write, run, and host code directly in your browser without any local installation or setup. It's perfect for beginners, quick prototyping, or collaborative projects.

What is Replit?

  • It's a cloud-based platform that instantly provides a working environment for virtually any programming language, including JavaScript (Node.js).

  • It eliminates the need for downloading and configuring tools like VS Code and Node.js.

  • It's excellent for collaboration and instantly sharing your code with others via a simple URL.

Setup Steps for JavaScript

  1. Create an Account:

    • Go to the Replit website Replit and sign up for a free account.

  2. Create a New Repl (Project):

    • Click on the "+ Create" button to start a new project, which Replit calls a "Repl."

    • In the language selection dropdown, choose "Node.js" or "HTML, CSS, JS" depending on your focus:

      • Node.js: For running pure JavaScript code outside of a browser (like utility scripts or backend logic).

      • HTML, CSS, JS: For developing client-side web applications that run in the browser.

  3. The Replit Interface:

    • Once your Repl is created, the interface is split into three main areas:

      • File Explorer (Left): Manages your project files (e.g., index.js).

      • Code Editor (Middle): Where you write your JavaScript code.

      • Console/Output (Right): The Console is where the output of your code (like console.log() messages) appears, and the Browser/Webview is where your HTML/CSS/JS web app is previewed instantly.

  4. Write and Run Your Code:

    • In the code editor, you can start writing your JavaScript.

    • To execute the code, click the large "Run" button at the top of the interface.

    • The output will appear immediately in the console or the browser preview pane.


- by Chirana Nimnaka

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