JavaScript is a client-side scripting language, which means it runs on the user’s browser and has limited access to the user’s computer. JavaScript is sandboxed, which means it cannot directly access local files on the user’s computer for security reasons. However, it can be done.
JavaScript can interact with files on the user’s computer in a limited way using the HTML5 File API, which provides a way for web applications to access and manipulate files on the user’s computer. This API allows web applications to read, write, and manipulate files that have been selected by the user through a file input field. The HTML5 File API also allows web applications to read the metadata associated with a file, such as the file type and creation date.
Another way that JavaScript can interact with local files is through server-side code such as PHP or Node.js. In this case, the server-side code can read and write files on the server, and JavaScript code can interact with the server-side code to manipulate files on the user’s computer.
Node.js is a server-side JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to interact with the file system on the server. This means that developers can use JavaScript to read, write, and manipulate files on the server’s file system. Node.js provides a set of built-in modules, including the fs module, which allows developers to perform file system operations such as reading and writing files.
JavaScript has limited access to local files on the user’s computer for security reasons, but it can interact with files in a limited way using the HTML5 File API or through server-side code. Overall, Node.js provides a powerful and flexible way for developers to interact with the file system on the server using JavaScript. By understanding how to use the built-in fs module, developers can perform a wide range of file system operations, from reading and writing files to creating and deleting directories.