Node JS framework is particularly adept at handling real-time web applications that utilise push technologies like WebSockets.
What makes it groundbreaking?
Node.js has given us the ability to build web applications with live, bidirectional connections, enabling seamless communication between client and server, and using unhindered data exchange. This recent milestone is an exceptionally influential and vital innovation in the domain of web applications.
For those who are new to exploring the Node.js framework or only have basic knowledge of its core concepts, this article serves as an extensive guide to the roots of the framework. It elaborates on the significance and timing of its use, the diverse elements of the framework, application contexts, and more. Armed with this knowledge, you will have an enhanced comprehension of the Node.js framework and its wide-ranging abilities.
Let us begin right away.
What precisely is the Node JS framework?
Node.js is a flexible, open-source, and cross-platform server-side technology that is presently causing a stir in the software development sector. This adaptable JavaScript runtime environment enables developers to fashion resilient applications effortlessly. Node.js is employed to develop fast and scalable network applications, and has become an indispensable tool for several organisations looking to build robust and efficient software solutions rapidly.
Ryan Dahl, the mastermind behind the Node JS framework, unveiled the first version on May 27, 2009. The latest long-term support (LTS) version is 14.17.6.
Node.js is garnering vast popularity worldwide, especially in Silicon Valley, owing to its capacity to create spectacular applications like social media platforms, video and messaging apps in real-time, multiplayer video games, live tracking apps, and others. This framework furnishes developers with the prospect of concocting powerful web applications and services that can be accessed from any device or operating system.
As a software developer, Node JS presents a plethora of opportunities that you can explore to create exceptional applications.
Crucial characteristics of the Node JS framework
Codebase:
- Node JS is an openly accessible framework with sizeable user adoption.
- Node JS has an expansive community that aids in augmenting new functionalities to Node JS applications.
User-friendly and swift:
- Node JS libraries are designed on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, thereby permitting rapid interpretation of codes.
Asynchronous:
- Each Node JS library is asynchronous. Node JS servers move to the next API without waiting for a response from the current one.
Scalability is exceptional:
- Node JS exhibits high scalability, owing to its event-based mechanism, enabling the server to deliver a non-blocking response.
- Node JS is platform-agnostic. It supports various operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Ideal for real-time applications:
- Node JS is perfectly fit for developing real-time applications like games and chat services.
- It also comes in handy for applications that necessitate an events server.
High efficiency:
- Node JS leverages single-threaded JavaScript runtime to deliver built-in network applications.
When is Node JS framework the best fit?
Backend for Social Media Networking
Node.js’s V8 engine is widely acclaimed for its rapid routing capabilities and robust authentication security protocols, making it the perfect choice to power dependable, high-traffic websites such as Medium and LinkedIn.
Single-Page Application (SPA) Development
Node.js is a top-notch platform for building single-page applications that offer a desktop-like experience, making it the perfect fit for creating social networking websites, dynamic web pages, and email solutions. By utilising Node.js, developers can design an application that can be accessed, upgraded, and maintained from one page, streamlining the process of creating and managing complicated web applications. Moreover, Node.js offers a plethora of features and tools that enable developers to quickly establish robust and engaging applications with minimal effort. Its backend’s asynchronous data flow capability also makes Node JS the ultimate choice for Single-Page Application (SPA) development.
Chatbots
Node.js presents an optimal solution for building advanced chatbot and chat system applications due to its capacity to handle multi-user applications, voluminous data, and high traffic across all gadgets. Node.js ensures compatibility with all paradigms, making sure your chatbot application is accessible to users regardless of the device they use. With its expansive capabilities, Node.js is an ideal fit for any chatbot application. Furthermore, Node JS simplifies the process of implementing server-side event loops and push notifications, which are indispensable components of instant messaging and real-time applications.
Data Streaming
Node JS framework’s exceptional performance in handling file processing, encoding, and uploading makes it particularly beneficial for data streaming, making it the ideal choice for applications that require real-time data streaming, Node JS framework is unrivalled in achieving these tasks promptly and efficiently. For example, Netflix has adopted the Node JS framework, enabling them to offer streaming services to over 120 million subscribers in 190 nations, totalling over 100 million hours.
Internet of Things (IoT) Application Development
The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained immense popularity in the past decade, and consequently, the Node.js framework has emerged as one of the most desirable solutions for businesses to create both public and private IoT solutions. This framework provides the flexibility of employing a scalable, open-source JavaScript runtime environment, which can be utilised to develop a wide range of applications.
Node JS’s event-driven server architecture and its ability to manage heavy I/O operations asynchronously in IoT networks are some of the key benefits of using Node JS’s event-driven server. Furthermore, the use of write and readable channels and streams is one of the reasons why the Node JS framework is the most appropriate platform for IoT application development.
Well-Known Companies That Utilise the Node JS Framework
Although relatively new compared to other programming languages, the Node JS framework has gained significant momentum among Fortune 500 corporations. The popularity of this framework is due to its scalability, top-notch security, and extensive libraries, making it the preferred choice over other frameworks.
These are some of the popular companies that actively employ the Node JS framework:
- Netflix
- Uber
- Trello
- PayPal
- NASA
- eBay
- Medium
- Groupon
- Walmart
When is the Node JS framework not suitable?
It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each technology when researching the available options. With several alternatives to choose from, it is important to critically evaluate each one to determine which one best suits your needs. By dedicating time and effort to assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each technology, you can make an informed decision and select the most appropriate solution.
Nonetheless, if you are considering building any of the following apps, you should rethink your decision to use Node JS.
Beta Testing of a Relational Database
Leveraging the power of Node.js and Express.js, it is possible to develop standard web or mobile applications on the server-side. However, any heavy computations that consume a large amount of CPU power can render the Node.js framework non-responsive, which can adversely affect application performance.
It is advisable to use other tools for relational operations since the Node JS Relational DB tool is still in beta testing.
The Server’s Processing Requires Significant Resources
Node.js may not be the best choice for intensive server-side computing. Its non-blocking I/O node model and event-driven architecture are not ideal for conducting large-scale operations.
Computation-Intensive Processes
As Node JS is single-threaded, it may not be the best fit for your web applications. For instance, if the server has to carry out a large computation, it could cause a delay in performance.
Flaws in the Tool
The Node JS framework has proved to be exceptional in a wide range of applications and situations.
However, despite the support of npm modules and libraries by an active Node community, several users have raised concerns about bugs, inferior quality, incomplete modules, and insufficient documentation.
Even though your team of seasoned Node.js developers is familiar with Node.js, it is crucial to exercise caution when picking npm modules and libraries for your project. This will guarantee that the correct selections are made, and the project is executed successfully and promptly.
What’s Next?
Having gained a better understanding of Node.js, you can enhance your expertise by tackling complex real-time projects and exploring Node.js code. This will provide you with an exclusive opportunity to gain practical experience as you apply the skills you have acquired.
Are you a Node.js developer with three or more years of experience? If yes, then Works is the perfect platform to start your search for high-paying remote jobs in the United States. Works offers a wide range of long-term, full-time software jobs with competitive salaries and excellent growth opportunities. Our platform is designed to assist experienced Node.js developers in realizing their full potential and finding the right role for them. We provide access to diverse job options from leading US-based firms, enabling you to find the perfect fit for your skillset. With our platform, you can effortlessly discover a position that aligns with your experience, provides you with competitive remuneration, and opens doors for furthering your career.
