Setting Up Your First Node.js Application: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners By a Backend Developer with 10+ Years of Experience Hello everyone! After more than a decade building scalable backend systems, APIs, and real-time applications, I still remember how empowering it felt to run my first Node.js script. Node.js revolutionized server-side JavaScript and remains one of the best platforms for developers who want speed, a massive ecosystem, and the ability to use one language end-to-end. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll go from zero to running a basic server — no frameworks, no shortcuts. We’ll also cover essential npm practices and how to start thinking about configuration and security from day one. 1. Installing Node.js (OS-Neutral) Node.js is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Recommended way (easiest for most developers): Visit the official website: https://nodejs.org Download the LTS version (Long Term Support). This is the most stable choice for production and learning.…