Discover how you can optimize your Node.js development processes using Meshnet.
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Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform runtime environment that is used for web app development. It allows developers to use JavaScript to build scalable, high-performance web applications.
Node.js also comes with an HTTP server module, which can be used to create and serve static web pages on the local device. This makes it easy for developers to test their applications locally, with changes and updates reflected in real time on the web app.
By incorporating Meshnet into your development process, the HTTP server feature of Node.js allows for a more efficient development process because you can make changes to the project and see the results immediately on other devices. In addition, the web application can easily be accessed from remote devices even during the development stage.
This article showcases how junior developers can use Meshnet to monitor the development of their Node.js project from other devices.
To begin, you need to download and install Node.js on your device.
Windows and macOS installation packages can be downloaded from the Node.js downloads page.
For Linux distributions, installation instructions are available on the NodeSource GitHub page.
You can create and control Node.js projects using the node package manager (npm) commands via a command-line interface (CLI). The package manager comes with a package runner npx, which is used to run JavaScript packages from the npm registry.
To create a Next.js application in your Node.js project:
Open PowerShell (on Windows) or Terminal (on macOS and Linux).
Create a new folder for your project using the mkdir command and navigate to it using cd.
Example
Create your new application using the create-next-app package by running this command:
If prompted, press Enter to install the create-next-app package.
Type in the name of your project and press Enter.
Select which options you want to use in your app.
Wait for the dependencies to be installed.
You should receive a success message when the process finishes.
Note
If you are using a CLI text editor and a device with a single terminal interface, you need to use a terminal multiplexer, such as tmux, to keep the server active and edit the app's files at the same time.
Once the project is created, you can start the development server to visually inspect it.
Using the command line, run the following command:
After a few seconds, your app should start and you should see a ready message.
Open your internet browser.
In the URL field, enter localhost:3000/ and press Enter.
You should now see the default Next.js landing page in your browser.
After confirming that the server is running as expected, you can start developing your app by editing the project's files. For demonstration purposes, this article provides an example of modifying the landing page.
From the previously opened landing page, note the page file's location.
Depending on your choice when creating the project, it will be either:
/app/page.js
/src/app/page.js
Open the page.js file using a text or code editor of your choice, for example, Nano, Vim, Notepad, or Visual Studio Code.
Make any preferred changes to the landing page using JavaScript.
Save your changes and exit the file.
Your new web app should now be up and running. You can access it over Meshnet using any other device to see the app you created. To access your project:
Copy the Nord name of the device running Node.js from the NordVPN application.
Open your internet browser.
In the URL field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by :3000, and press Enter.
Now you should see the visual result of the page.js file.
Whenever you make a change to the page.js file and save it, the web interface will update automatically. This allows you to monitor the development progress from any device. Additionally, you can share your results with people from remote locations with ease.
