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Install the Node.js SDK
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Overview
The Atlas Device SDK for Node.js enables development of applications using the JavaScript and TypeScript languages. The Node.js SDK is best suited for writing server-side applications. Your Node.js application could be one component in a wider stack that also includes iOS and Android apps.
The Node.js SDK is not suitable for front-end application development.
Due to limitations of the browser environment, it is not possible to build a browser-based web app with this SDK. For front-end web applications, use the Web SDK.
For cross-platform mobile app development, use the React Native SDK.
Prerequisites
Before getting started, ensure your environment meets the following prerequisites:
Node.js version 12.x or later (including Node.js version 14)
Linux, macOS 10.8 (or later), or Windows 8 (or later)
Installation
Follow these steps to create a Node.js project and add the Node.js SDK to it.
Tip
Atlas Device SDK and Realm
The SDK uses Realm Core database for device data persistence. When you install the Node.js SDK, the package names reflect Realm naming.
Create a Node.js Project
Create your Node.js project by creating a new directory
for your project and running npm init in that
directory. In the example below, replace MyApp
with your desired project name. Answer all of the prompts
to fill out the details of your project.
mkdir MyApp && cd MyApp && npm init
Install the SDK with NPM
In your Node.js project directory, use the following command to add the SDK to your project:
npm install realm
Enable TypeScript (optional)
TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that adds static type checking and other features intended to make application-scale development more robust. If you'd like to use TypeScript, follow the TypeScript team's official Node Starter guide. The SDK supports TypeScript natively and integrates easily into a TypeScript project.
IoT Installation
Tip
Atlas Device SDK and Realm
The SDK uses Realm Core database for device data persistence. When you install the Node.js SDK, the package names reflect Realm naming.
To create a Node.js project and add the Node.js SDK on an Internet of Things (IoT) platform such as the Raspberry Pi 2, 3, or 4 running Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian), follow the steps below:
Install a C++ Compiler
The Node.js SDK's IoT library is not distributed as a binary, so you must build it from source. To do this, you'll need a working C++ compiler. To install such a compiler on your IoT device, run the following command:
sudo apt install build-essential g++ libssl-dev
Create a Node.js Project
Create your Node.js project by creating a new directory
for your project and running npm init in that
directory. In the example below, replace MyApp
with your desired project name. Answer all of the prompts
to fill out the details of your project.
mkdir MyApp && cd MyApp && npm init
Install the SDK with NPM
In your Node.js project directory, use the following command to add the SDK to your project:
npm install realm
Enable TypeScript (optional)
TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that adds static type checking and other features intended to make application-scale development more robust. If you'd like to use TypeScript, follow the TypeScript team's official Node Starter guide. The SDK supports TypeScript natively and integrates easily into a TypeScript project.
Import the SDK
Add the following line to the top of your source files (JavaScript or TypeScript) where you want to use the SDK:
import Realm from "realm";