2012-02-27 20:06:14 +01:00
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# About this Documentation
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<!-- type=misc -->
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The goal of this documentation is to comprehensively explain the Node.js
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API, both from a reference as well as a conceptual point of view. Each
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section describes a built-in module or high-level concept.
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Where appropriate, property types, method arguments, and the arguments
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provided to event handlers are detailed in a list underneath the topic
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heading.
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Every `.html` document has a corresponding `.json` document presenting
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the same information in a structured manner. This feature is
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experimental, and added for the benefit of IDEs and other utilities that
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wish to do programmatic things with the documentation.
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Every `.html` and `.json` file is generated based on the corresponding
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`.markdown` file in the `doc/api/` folder in node's source tree. The
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documentation is generated using the `tools/doc/generate.js` program.
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The HTML template is located at `doc/template.html`.
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## Stability Index
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<!--type=misc-->
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Throughout the documentation, you will see indications of a section's
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stability. The Node.js API is still somewhat changing, and as it
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matures, certain parts are more reliable than others. Some are so
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proven, and so relied upon, that they are unlikely to ever change at
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all. Others are brand new and experimental, or known to be hazardous
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and in the process of being redesigned.
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The notices look like this:
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Stability: 1 Experimental
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The stability indices are as follows:
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* **0 - Deprecated** This feature is known to be problematic, and changes are
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planned. Do not rely on it. Use of the feature may cause warnings. Backwards
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compatibility should not be expected.
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* **1 - Experimental** This feature was introduced recently, and may change
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or be removed in future versions. Please try it out and provide feedback.
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If it addresses a use-case that is important to you, tell the node core team.
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* **2 - Unstable** The API is in the process of settling, but has not yet had
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sufficient real-world testing to be considered stable. Backwards-compatibility
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will be maintained if reasonable.
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* **3 - Stable** The API has proven satisfactory, but cleanup in the underlying
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code may cause minor changes. Backwards-compatibility is guaranteed.
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* **4 - API Frozen** This API has been tested extensively in production and is
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unlikely to ever have to change.
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* **5 - Locked** Unless serious bugs are found, this code will not ever
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change. Please do not suggest changes in this area; they will be refused.
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2012-03-04 00:51:14 +01:00
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## JSON Output
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Stability: 1 - Experimental
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Every HTML file in the markdown has a corresponding JSON file with the
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same data.
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This feature is new as of node v0.6.12. It is experimental.
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