How to learn Node.js? Is it possible to write a desktop on it (play around)?

Question

JavaScript

Hello, I myself am a hopeless frontender. I mainly write in react.js. I use Node.js only for little things when building, well, or write a light http server according to the guide for an isomorphic application. In general, I'm just having fun. I really want to go deep into it and generally go completely into the backend, but due to lack of time, this goal constantly leaves me. There were a couple of questions for middle + developers on this miracle platform:
1) is it really possible to play around with the system using node.js and what to read for this? How much does it untie the hands of the developer? Well, let's say, get into processes that are not open in the node, write some kind of autoclicker for the desktop, open the drive at least :) in general, is it possible to use the node for tasks that are not related to the web at all, and most importantly, what kind of literature to read for this?
2) Directly for the web, tell me good literature on the basics of backend (in general, regardless of the language), maybe there are special books ala: "Look at the backend, after the frontend"))
Thank you

Answer 1

1. No books needed. THERE IS NPM!!!!
Just go ahead and google "node open cd rom", etc.
I also advise you to look at ionic and electron framework.
+
node is becoming and will only become more popular, because js is growing and what is not being written on it now.
2. Here you need to narrow the question. Database design, application architecture, specific technology/framework?
Anyway, just more practice. Full of documentation and guides.

Answer 2

If you want to get serious about the backend, learn some of the following:
- symfony/laravel
- spring/play
// EDIT
I ​​don't like backend JS, even with the nicest NPM. Callback/promise hell confuses me (at the back - but at the front I find promise chains quite acceptable).
If you have a wild desire to write in NodeJS, try SailsJS.

Answer 3

Answer 4

How much does it untie the hands of the developer? Well, let's say, get into processes that are not open in node, write some kind of autoclicker for the desktop, open the drive at least :)

All this is possible, individual utilities can simply be written in C ++, etc., and called from Node.js
Put at the forefront not reference books, but practical tasks that need to be implemented constantly from the very first day of training, practice different ways of studying, including experimental heuristic, and not just books, use any languages, not just Node.js, then you will be independent from language.