What APIs does server-side JavaScript have that client-side does not?
Server-side JS has the file system (fs), network (http), databases, process control, and full system access. Client-side JS has the DOM, fetch, localStorage, and a sandboxed environment. The available APIs are environment-specific.
Verify This Answer
Cross-check this information using these trusted sources:
More FAQs in Server-Side JavaScript vs Client-Side JavaScript: What's the Difference?
Client-side JS runs in the browser with the DOM and a sandbox. Server-side JS runs on the server with Node.js, with file system, network, and database access. They share the language but differ in environment, APIs, and security model.
Yes. The JavaScript language is the same: functions, closures, promises, objects, arrays. The syntax and core features are identical. The difference is the environment and the available APIs, not the language itself.
Client-side JS runs in a sandbox for the user's safety, with limited access. Server-side JS has full system access and must be secured by the developer, since a vulnerability can expose the server, files, and databases. This is a fundamental difference in trust.
Still have questions?
Browse all our FAQs or reach out to our support team