Create a Directory in Node.js if It Doesn't Exist

Creating a directory programmatically is a common requirement in backend and CLI applications. Node.js provides simple and reliable ways to check for a folder and create it only when needed. Here are the most practical approaches using the modern fs API.

1. Create a Directory with fs.mkdir (Callback Version)

The classic way is to check if a directory exists, and if not — create it.
fs.access helps detect existence, while fs.mkdir creates the folder.

const fs = require('fs');
const directory = 'path/to/directory';

fs.access(directory, fs.constants.F_OK, err => {
  if (err) {
    fs.mkdir(directory, { recursive: true }, err => {
      if (err) {
        console.error('Error creating directory:', err);
      } else {
        console.log('Directory created successfully');
      }
    });
  } else {
    console.log('Directory already exists');
  }
});

Why recursive: true?

It ensures Node.js creates any missing parent folders — useful when building nested paths.

2. Using fs.promises.mkdir (Cleaner, Modern Syntax)

If you’re using Node.js v10+, the fs.promises API is the recommended choice.
It avoids callback nesting and makes your code easier to read.

const fs = require('fs').promises;

async function ensureDir(path) {
  try {
    await fs.mkdir(path, { recursive: true });
    console.log('Directory created successfully');
  } catch (err) {
    console.error('Error creating directory:', err);
  }
}

ensureDir('path/to/directory');

3. Use fs.existsSync for Simple Synchronous Scripts

For CLI tools or scripts where performance is less critical, the sync version works well.

const fs = require('fs');

const dir = 'logs';

if (!fs.existsSync(dir)) {
  fs.mkdirSync(dir, { recursive: true });
  console.log('Directory created.');
} else {
  console.log('Directory already exists.');
}

Useful in build scripts, migration tools, or Node-based automation.

Best Practices

• Prefer async methods for web servers or high-load apps.
• Always use { recursive: true } unless you want strict parent validation.
• Avoid fs.exists() — it’s deprecated.
• Wrap directory creation in a helper function if used frequently.

Conclusion

Node.js makes directory creation simple and safe. Whether you prefer callbacks, promises, or synchronous scripts, fs.mkdir with { recursive: true } is the most reliable way to ensure a folder exists before writing files.

This pattern is essential for file uploads, log storage, temporary working directories, and build pipelines.

Happy coding!