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.
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