JavaScript is a versatile and widely-used programming language, primarily known for its role in web development. However, its utility extends beyond the browser, allowing developers to create server-side applications, control hardware, and much more. Running JavaScript on a Raspberry Pi can open up numerous possibilities, from creating IoT projects to automating tasks. This article will guide you through the process of setting up and running JavaScript on a Raspberry Pi using Node.js, a popular JavaScript runtime.

Examples:

1. Installing Node.js on Raspberry Pi:

   To run JavaScript outside the browser on a Raspberry Pi, you need to install Node.js. Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. Follow these steps to install Node.js:

   Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi and update the package list:

   sudo apt update

   Install Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager):

   sudo apt install nodejs npm

   Verify the installation by checking the versions of Node.js and npm:

   node -v
   npm -v

2. Creating a Simple JavaScript Application:

   Once Node.js is installed, you can create and run JavaScript applications. Let's create a simple "Hello, World!" application.

   Create a new directory for your project and navigate into it:

   mkdir my-js-app
   cd my-js-app

   Create a new JavaScript file named app.js:

   nano app.js

   Add the following code to app.js:

   console.log('Hello, World!');

   Save the file and exit the text editor (Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter).

3. Running the JavaScript Application:

   To run your JavaScript application, use the following command:

   node app.js

   You should see the output "Hello, World!" in the terminal.

4. Creating a Web Server:

   Node.js can also be used to create web servers. Let's create a simple web server that responds with "Hello, World!" to any HTTP request.

   Create a new JavaScript file named server.js:

   nano server.js

   Add the following code to server.js:

   const http = require('http');
   
   const hostname = '0.0.0.0';
   const port = 3000;
   
   const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
    res.statusCode = 200;
    res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
    res.end('Hello, World!\n');
   });
   
   server.listen(port, hostname, () => {
    console.log(`Server running at http://${hostname}:${port}/`);
   });

   Save the file and exit the text editor.

   Run the server:

   node server.js

   Open a web browser on any device connected to the same network as your Raspberry Pi and navigate to http://<your-raspberry-pi-ip>:3000. You should see "Hello, World!" displayed in the browser.