Book Review: Node Web Development
Node Web Development by David Herron is book written for those who want to start using Node.js for real Web Applications. Book is short and written for purpose of practical examples. Of course if it will be longer it would be even better but this is very good starting point for learning Node.js.
Book is rather short, and to be honest when I sow it I was thinking: This is too short! But just after first chapter I realize that maybe short, but chapters are full of examples and explanations. I was impressed how reading it changed my opinion.
Tips for other readers:
- Use Node.js from 0.4 tree, mostly because of modules, most of them are not ported yet to 0.5.
- If You want to create apps as fast as possible read chapter 5 at the end (except of those that want to use HTTPClient)
- Install Databases before installing npm modules.
Links to book:
Book: http://www.packtpub.com/node-javascript-web-development/book
Table of contents: http://www.packtpub.com/toc/node-web-development-table-contents
More about book:
I will write about chapters, for now You should already know that I like this book. What this book is about?
Good introduction, nothing more nothing less.
Besides what title:
- How to set up daemon
- Forever - run node even if there are problems
- Cluster - how to use all of You'r PC cores
I was impressed! These are awesome to know how to do them. Practical examples with descriptions how it works.
Good chapter about modules, You can read it because it is sample chapter. Check link above.
Chapter 4: Variations on a Simple Application
From Hello World to Express Web Site, this chapter explains basic concepts but this is fun to refactor applications to Connect and Express.
Chapter 5: A Simple Web Server, EventEmitters, and HTTP Clients
This chapter is strange, for me part about "Simple Web Server" was pointless, and can be ignored. After that was Events and HTTPClient which are good to know. In my opinion this chapter should be about Express, not an attempt to write new Express. How often Web Developers write new web framework? Not so often. In my opinion this chapter can be ignored, read it as last.
Chapter 6: Data Storage and Retrieval
Another good chapter, using Express and SQLite (do not use it for real websites) or MongoDB to run simple notes application. There was some points that I doesn't like (using ejs with <%= %> hell) but that was details, that do not break my opinion about chapter.
There was short introduction to writing authentication, but it was only starting point. It would be better to include it, but
Rating:
I rate it 9/10, and why only 9?
Book is short, and chapter 5 disappoints me. I know that Node.js is changing very fast, and attempt to write longer one could be risky, but this book is so good that this is shame that it has only about 170pages!
Also chapter 5 could be more about Express, but I write this because others are so good that this one left me unsatisfied.
Update:
I changed rating while reviewing NetBeans IDE 7 Cookbook from 8 to 9.
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