How can a simple web server be created with Node.js?

A simple web server can be created with Node.js primarily by using the 'http' module, which is a built-in core module designed for this purpose. The 'http.createServer()' method specifically allows developers to create an instance of an HTTP server that listens for requests. This method takes a callback function that is executed each time an HTTP request is received, allowing the developer to handle request and response objects effectively.

When 'http.createServer()' is invoked, it sets up the basic structure needed to listen for incoming requests on a specified port. The server then processes these requests and can send back responses, such as HTML pages, JSON data, or other types of content, establishing the fundamental process of serving web content over HTTP.

Other options, while related to web development, do not directly contribute to the creation of a simple web server using Node.js. For instance, integrating a database connection adds complexity and requires additional code to manage data interactions, while using a front-end framework pertains more to rendering user interfaces rather than server operations. Importing server-side rendering libraries supports creating dynamic views but does not alone set up the essential server functionalities.