Node.js in Action

Chapter 2. Building a multiroom chat application

This chapter covers

• A first look at various Node components
• A sample real-time application using Node
• Server and client-side interaction

In chapter 1, you learned how asynchronous development using Node differs from conventional synchronous development. In this chapter, we’ll take a practical look at Node by creating a small event-driven chat application. Don’t worry if the details in this chapter seem over your head; our intent is to demystify Node development and give you a preview of what you’ll be able to do when you’ve completed the book.

This chapter assumes you have experience with web application development, have a basic understanding of HTTP, and are familiar with jQuery. As you ...