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JavaScript Node.js Basics (2014) Building a Command Line Application Getting the Response Body

David Patrick
David Patrick
1,906 Points
Posted by David Patrick
David Patrick
1,906 Points

Why does Node Stream Chunks of Data?

In this last video it teaches you that on the data event node is emitting chunks of data from the response. What kind of benefit does this give you? I suppose you could update a progress bar? Is there any other benefits?

Thanks, David

1 Answer

krilnon
krilnon
1,458 Points

It mirrors the reality that your network card / WiFi chip / etc. is getting the data in chunks as well.

What kind of benefit does this give you? I suppose you could update a progress bar? Is there any other benefits?

Some types of data can be computed upon without being completely downloaded. Like a JPEG image showing the upper portions, or streaming a movie before the whole file is complete. Things like that.