Summary - Native addons

Combine N-API, binding and build to write a native module.

Summary - Native addons

In this group we saw the core pieces of native addons: N-API, node-addon-api, binding, callback and build. Each handles one aspect of connecting C/C++ code to Node.js.

N-API provides a version-stable interface. node-addon-api offers a C++ wrapper. Binding connects a JS function to native code. Callback carries a response from native to JS. Build (node-gyp) compiles the source and produces a .node file. In the final lesson we combine them in a report.

The report function

The final task combines all addon pieces into one report. The addonReport() function joins mod, wrapper and binding info with ' | '. Output: N-API v9 | node-addon-api | add.

This report summarizes three core aspects of a native addon: the API (N-API v9), the wrapper (node-addon-api) and the bound function (add). Inside the function you place each piece in a variable, then join them with +. This lets you see what you learned on the console; you model the structure without compiling a real addon.

Exercise Write the addon report

Write function addonReport(). Define const mod = {api: 'N-API', version: 9}. Define const wrapper = 'node-addon-api'. Define const binding = {name: 'add', arity: 2}. Return mod.api + ' v' + mod.version + ' | ' + wrapper + ' | ' + binding.name. Print console.log(addonReport()).

Show example solution

function addonReport() {
  const mod = {api: 'N-API', version: 9};
  const wrapper = 'node-addon-api';
  const binding = {name: 'add', arity: 2};
  return mod.api + ' v' + mod.version + ' | ' + wrapper + ' | ' + binding.name;
}
console.log(addonReport());

Test yourself

Which tool compiles the addon?
- npm
- node-gyp
- require
- express
Show answer

node-gyp — node-gyp compiles the addon with binding.gyp.
Match each concept to its role

N-API

Stable interface
node-addon-api

C++ wrapper
Binding

JS-native bridge
node-gyp

Build tool

Next lesson: Event loop phases

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