Node.js is a JavaScript runtime (program that executes JS code).
Node.js runs in the V8 engine, which compiles JS code. V8 is used in Chrome and Chromium-based browsers (I’m running v16.13.0).
npm is the initialism for Node package manager, and is a program that coordinates installation of a wide variety of JS code bases from a terminal (I’m running version 8.1.0). commands are structured as npm [command name] [dashed flag] [file/program name], like:
npm install -g jshint
for the global installation of “jshint.”
Uses for Node.js include:
Running JS on a server
Managing download and installation of packages
Pair programming is a method of programming that uses two developers to coordinate work in rotated roles. Advantages include:
Quality of the end-product tends to be higher (even considering time taken) given the live review of code.
Engagement in the work is greater, and the sense of accountability to a colleage can focus work.
Education on techniques as well as exposure to another dev’s perspective in problem solving.
An exercise in communication and social engagement. Directly working with another dev can help their communication later on separate tasks.
An expectation in some job interviews– establishes a prospective employee’s communication an collaboration abilities.