Web Programming TutorialsWhat Makes Node.js so Important?

What Makes Node.js so Important?

Node.js is a platform built on Chrome’s JavaScript runtime for easily building fast and scalable network applications. Node.js uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient, perfect for data-intensive real-time applications that run across distributed devices.

That is the definition of Node which is given by the official website. But the definition does not even begin to cover its advantages and the importance it holds for developers worldwide.

This server-side platform was built by Ryan Dahl in 2009. The software is designed to allow the creation of web servers and networking tools with the use of JavaScript and a collection of modules, capable of handling a sundry of core functionalities. The modules of Node.js reduces the complications of writing server applications by using its API. The software is supported on macOS, Windows 7 and Linux. It is primarily used to build network programs. Node.js is given the utmost importance in the era of the responsive web.

In a little over a decade, the software managed to attract huge companies to give it a try. Some of these names include Groupon, Netflix, LinkedIn, IBM, Voxer, SAP, Paypal, Walmart, and many more. This just goes to show the trust people have in this equipment.

Netflix is one of the biggest companies that use Node.js because according to them, it reduces the build time and allows for user customization. So much is the success with Node.js that now they are planning to move data access layers to it.

PayPal is another financial firm that has a lot to think about before using any new technology or software. But with a user base of 267 million active users and with millions of transactions taking place every day, the company finds a safe haven in Node.js. It is because ever since the implementation of the software; the tasks are handled more seamlessly than ever before. Also, because of Node.js, developers have started using JavaScript as their default language.

If you want to become a fully certified Node.js developer in no time, try the “Elite NodeJS Course – Become Certified NodeJS Developer” online course. It comes with 5 hours of video and covers 11 main sections of the course. It includes the installation of Node.js, Node essentials, Node intermediate, Node.js web server, SocketIO, pug and much more.

Now let us have a look at why Node.js is being valued so much by today’s web developers.

Google V8 JavaScript Engine

Unlike most JavaScript interpreters, the Google V8 JavaScript engine compiles the JavaScript code into native machine code. Consequently, this has an effect on the runtime environment in boosting the performance of the web-server. The performance is enhanced however by executing the JavaScript code in a more efficient way.

Various IDEs

VSC

There are many IDEs available for Node.js applications. There is no lack of frameworks and IDEs for this software. An IDE or an Integrated Development Environment is a software application that provides many facilities to the developer during the stages of software development. To be called an IDE, they need to have at least a code-editor and a debugger.

Robust Tools

Developers can take the help of package managers like npm. The advantages of npm include it being robust, consistent and fast. But it also simplifies the process of installing and specifying project dependencies. While doing them all, it still keeps the project dependencies separate to eliminate the chances of version conflict.

I/O Operations Made Asynchronous

All I/O operations are performed by Node.js in an asynchronous fashion. This occurs by sending the asynchronous task to the event loop along with the call-back function. Once this event has taken place, the application continues executing the remainder of the code. The loop also returns to the task and executes the callback function.

Single CodeBase

Node.js allows the developers to use JavaScript for writing both client-side and server-side code. So, a programmer can use JavaScript for creating the front-end and back-end of a web application. SO, the entire program can be built with the use of the most popular language in the world. Maintaining updates also become a lot more easy because of the single code base.

So, Node.js is an excellent tool in removing the gap that continues to be between front-end and back-end creations. This saves a lot of time as well as costs, as hiring people to work for either of the two sides of an application would be an expensive affair.

Option for File Streaming

Because of the efficient I/O streaming, the time taken to stream a file in the file system is reduced. Instead, they can use that runtime to read or write streams to both the HTTP and Web sockets. They can lower the overall audio or video processing time in numerous ways.

Supportive Community

Community

The software is powered by a supportive community. There are millions in these communities who solve queries and explain the solutions to any issue pertaining to Node.js. Also, if you feel like you are stuck in a problem, there will always be someone you can approach for help. Chances are they too faced a similar problem during their start in Node.js.

Easy Scalability

You are free to scale the applications made by Node.js in both horizontal and vertical ways. By adding extra nodes to the existing system, you can scale it in a horizontal manner. The same can also be done in a vertical fashion.

Open-Source

When you are on the receiving end of so many benefits, the cherry on the cake has to be the cost savings! Node.js is open-source software, which means you can use this software without having to make any form of payment. The software is being updated by the powerful community behind it.

Conclusion

As more and more companies are taking a closer look at Node.js and its features, the job opportunities in this field are on the rise. This is why perhaps there are so many people now learning the use of Node.js to further their careers.

Let us know if you can think of any other benefit that should be inclusive of the list that contributes to the importance of Node.js in the comments below.

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