process.exit and exit codes in Node.js - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does process.exit() do in Node.js?

process.exit() stops the Node.js program immediately. It ends the running process.

beginner

What is an exit code in Node.js?

An exit code is a number that tells the system if the program ended successfully or with an error. 0 means success, any other number means an error or special condition.

beginner

How do you specify an exit code with process.exit()?

You pass the exit code as a number inside the parentheses. For example, process.exit(1) ends the program with exit code 1.

beginner

What does process.exit(0) mean?

process.exit(0) means the program ended successfully without errors.

intermediate

Why should you be careful when using process.exit()?

Because it stops the program immediately, it can skip cleanup tasks like saving files or closing connections. Use it only when you want to end the program right away.

What does process.exit(1) indicate?

A Program ended successfully

B Program ended with an error

C Program paused

D Program restarted

Exit code 1 usually means the program ended with an error or problem.

What happens if you call process.exit() without a number?

A Program continues running

B Program exits with code 1

C Program exits with code 0

D Program throws an error

If no code is given, process.exit() uses 0 by default, meaning success.

Which exit code usually means success?

A -1

B 1

C 100

D 0

Exit code 0 means the program finished successfully.

Why might you avoid using process.exit() in some cases?

A It can skip important cleanup tasks

B It slows down the program

C It causes memory leaks

D It restarts the program

Calling process.exit() stops the program immediately, skipping cleanup like saving data.

How do you end a Node.js program with exit code 2?

A process.exit(2)

B exit(2)

C process.end(2)

D exitCode(2)

You use process.exit(2) to end the program with exit code 2.

Explain what process.exit() does and how exit codes work in Node.js.

Think about how programs tell the system if they ended well or not.

Describe why you should be careful when using process.exit() in your Node.js programs.

Consider what happens if the program stops without finishing important work.