How does Node.js handle HTTP requests?

1. Definition

Node.js handles HTTP requests using its built-in http module. It creates a server that listens for incoming client requests and sends responses back to the client.

2. Request Handling Flow

Client sends HTTP request (browser, API call)
Server receives request using createServer()
Callback function processes request
Response is sent using res.end()

3. Example

const http = require("http");

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {

  // Request info
  console.log(req.method);
  console.log(req.url);

  // Response
  res.writeHead(200, { "Content-Type": "text/plain" });
  res.end("Request received");
});

server.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log("Server running on port 3000");
});

4. Key Objects

req (Request): Contains client request data
res (Response): Used to send response to client

5. Handling Multiple Requests

Uses event-driven architecture
Non-blocking I/O operations
Event loop handles multiple requests efficiently

6. Advantages

Handles multiple requests efficiently
Non-blocking and fast
Scalable for real-time applications
Lightweight server setup