Checking file existence and stats in Node.js - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What Node.js module is commonly used to check if a file exists and to get file stats?

The fs (File System) module is used to check file existence and retrieve file stats in Node.js.

beginner

How does fs.stat() help when working with files?

fs.stat() returns information about a file, such as size, creation date, and whether it is a file or directory.

intermediate

What is the difference between fs.existsSync() and fs.access()?

fs.existsSync() synchronously checks if a file exists, while fs.access() asynchronously checks file accessibility and permissions.

intermediate

Why is fs.exists() deprecated and what should you use instead?

fs.exists() is deprecated because it can lead to race conditions. Instead, use fs.access() or try to open the file directly.

beginner

What does stats.isFile() return when called on a file stats object?

It returns true if the path is a regular file, otherwise false.

Which method would you use to synchronously check if a file exists in Node.js?

A fs.existsSync()

B fs.stat()

C fs.readFile()

D fs.access()

fs.existsSync() is the synchronous method to check file existence.

What does fs.stat() provide about a file?

A File metadata like size and creation time

B File content

C File permissions only

D File encoding

fs.stat() returns metadata such as size, creation time, and type.

Which method is recommended instead of the deprecated fs.exists()?

A fs.writeFile()

B fs.readFile()

C fs.open()

D fs.access()

fs.access() is recommended to check file accessibility safely.

What does stats.isDirectory() return if the path is a folder?

A false

B true

C null

D undefined

stats.isDirectory() returns true if the path is a directory.

Which Node.js module must you import to use fs.stat()?

A http

B path

C fs

D os

The fs module provides file system methods like stat().

Explain how to check if a file exists asynchronously in Node.js and how to get its size.

Think about using fs.access first, then fs.stat for details.

Describe why using fs.exists() is discouraged and what safer alternatives exist.

Focus on safety and modern Node.js practices.