how to use jQuery installed with npm in Express app?

Question

I have a node.js + express app and I installed jQuery with npm.

in the app.js file I used

var jquery = require('jquery'); 

In the html file header I included javascript that uses jQuery and I get `jQuery is not defined'. Is it a metter of order or am I missing something?

Answer 1

If you want a jquery npm module to be served by an express app then add this line to the server script (in your case app.js):

app.use('/jquery', express.static(__dirname + '/node_modules/jquery/dist/')); 

After that you can include it in your html file:

<script src="/jquery/jquery.js"></script> 

Answer 2

When you are installing jQuery with npm it's because you want to use jQuery on the server side of your application (Ex : in your app.js file). You still need to add jQuery to your web page like that :

<script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.5.1/jquery.min.js"></script> 

If you want to use it on the client side. If you are using Jade, add the script tag to your template.