Node.js File System: Quick Reference Guide for Common fs Module APIs
# Node.js File System: Quick Reference for the fs Module This article introduces the core APIs of the `fs` module in Node.js, helping beginners quickly get started with file operations. The `fs` module provides both synchronous and asynchronous APIs: synchronous methods (e.g., `readFileSync`) block execution and are suitable for simple scripts, while asynchronous methods (e.g., `readFile`) are non-blocking and handle results via callbacks, making them ideal for high-concurrency scenarios. Common APIs include: reading files with `readFile` (asynchronous) or `readFileSync` (synchronous); writing with `writeFile` (overwrite mode); creating directories with `mkdir` (supports recursive creation); deleting files/directories with `unlink`/`rmdir` (non-empty directories require `fs.rm` with `recursive: true`); reading directories with `readdir`; getting file information with `stat`; and checking existence with `existsSync`. Advanced tips: Use the `path` module for path handling; always check for errors in asynchronous operations; optimize memory usage for large files with streams; and be mindful of file permissions. Mastering the basic APIs will cover most common scenarios, with further learning needed for complex operations like stream processing.
Read MoreDetailed Explanation of Node.js Core Module fs: Easily Implement File Reading and Writing
The `fs` module in Node.js is a core tool for interacting with the file system, supporting both synchronous and asynchronous APIs. Synchronous methods block code execution, while asynchronous methods are non-blocking and suitable for high concurrency; beginners are advised to prioritize learning asynchronous operations first. Basic operations include file reading and writing: for asynchronous reading, use `readFile` (requiring callbacks to handle errors and data), and for synchronous reading, use `readFileSync` (requiring `try/catch` blocks). Writing can be either overwriting (`writeFile`) or appending (`appendFile`). Directory operations include `mkdir` (supports recursive creation), `readdir` (lists directory contents), and `rmdir` (only removes empty directories). Path handling should use the `path` module. It is recommended to combine `__dirname` (the directory where the script is located) to construct absolute paths, avoiding reliance on relative paths that depend on the execution location. For large file processing, streams (Stream) should be used to read/write data in chunks and avoid excessive memory usage. Common issues: Path errors can be resolved by using absolute paths, and large files should be processed with the `pipe` stream method. Practical suggestions include starting with simple read/write and directory operations, combining them with the `path` module, and understanding the advantages of the asynchronous non-blocking model.
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