How to Read Files in Node.js?
1. Definition
In Node.js, files are read using the built-in fs (File System) module. It allows you to read data from files asynchronously or synchronously.
2. Methods to Read Files
- fs.readFile(): Asynchronous method
- fs.readFileSync(): Synchronous method
3. Asynchronous Example
const fs = require("fs");
fs.readFile("example.txt", "utf8", (err, data) => {
if (err) throw err;
console.log(data);
});4. Synchronous Example
const fs = require("fs");
const data = fs.readFileSync("example.txt", "utf8");
console.log(data);5. Difference Between Async and Sync
- Async: Non-blocking, faster, recommended
- Sync: Blocking, slower, used for simple cases
6. Advantages
- Easy file handling
- Supports async operations
- Built-in module (no installation needed)