process.stdin semantics with streams2

example.js

// the "readable" event is when you *must* read() data from the
// stream, so that the buffer gets below "highWaterMark", and
// it will begin reading some more.

// stdin holds the event loop open only while it's filling the
// buffer in between "readable" events, so it is up to you to read
// from some data in the "readable" event otherwise the process will exit
process.stdin.on('readable', function () {
  var b;
  while (null != (b = process.stdin.read())) {
    // do awesome stuff...
  }
  // now that stdin's internal buffer is drained, it will
  // begin reading more data from the FD until it can generate the
  // next "readable" event
});

// this signifies your intent in reading from stdin,
// and makes "readable" events happen.
// think of it like the equivalent of the old ".resume()".
process.stdin.read(0);