Create and Run Node.js Project in VS Code Editor

2. open VS Code go to the File option and click Open folder and choose your project folder.

Step 3: Setting up of the Node.js Project

1. Click the terminal of VS Code through the menu option on the top (View > Terminal).

2. Run the command

npm init -y

This will create a package.json file to manage project dependencies.

Step 4: Let's Write Our First Node.js Script

1. There will be a new file in the project folder which will be input as app.js.

2. Add the following code to the file:

console.log('Hello, Node.js!');

Step 5: Run Your Node.js Script

1. In the terminal, run the script with the command:

node app.js

2. You should see "Hello, Node.js!" printed in the terminal.

Step 6: External Modules to Install and Use

1. Install a popular package (e.g., express):

npm install express

2. Add this code to create a simple Express server in app.js:

const express = require('express');
const app = express();

app.get('/', (req, res) => {
    res.send('Welcome to my Node.js server!');
});

app.listen(3000, () => {
    console.log('Server is running on http://localhost:3000');
});

3. Run the script again and visit http://localhost:3000 for your web browser.

Step 7: Debugging in VS Code

1. Go to the Run and Debug menu in VS Code.

2. Configure the debugger by creating a launch.json file.

3. Add the following configuration:

{
    "version": "0.2.0",
    "configurations": [
        {
            "type": "node",
            "request": "launch",
            "name": "Launch Program",
            "program": "${workspaceFolder}/app.js"
        }
    ]
}

4. Start debugging your project.

Conclusion

Using this guide, you will know how to create and work with Node.js project in VS Code using its key functionalities well in order to enhance your workflow. Trust us and start building your projects today with confidence!