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Why does `window` object work in the browser but not in Node.js?

Asked on Oct 31, 2025

Answer

The "window" object is specific to web browsers and represents the global context of a web page, while Node.js uses a different global object called "global" for its runtime environment.

// Browser environment
        console.log(window === this); // true

        // Node.js environment
        console.log(global === this); // false

Additional Comment:

In a browser, "window" is the global object and represents the browser window or tab.
In Node.js, the global object is "global", and it does not equate to "this" in the same way as "window" does in browsers.
Each environment has its own global object to provide context-specific functionalities.

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Ask any question about JavaScript here... and get an instant response.

Why does `window` object work in the browser but not in Node.js?

Asked on Oct 31, 2025

Answer

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