What is Node.js and Why You Should Use Node.js as Your Backend

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a lightweight, quick, and efficient cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment used for backend servers and desktop applications. It provides low response time and high output capability by following a “non-blocking” technique to serve multiple requests. In other words, you can save your time and resources from waiting for I/O requests to return. It is completely free and enables developers to write command-line tools & server-side scripts externally from a browser. Node.js runs on different platforms such as Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X, etc.

Difference between Node.js and Web JavaScript

Node.js

• It is used to execute Javascript codes outside the browsers.
• Node.js executes the on-blocking operation of any OS, which can contain making of a shell script or getting access to particular details on hardware, or even running a backend activity.
• It can be run only on the V8 of Google Chrome.
• Node JS is written in C++.
• You can execute OS-specific non-blocking tasks from any JavaScript programming. The limitation to OS-specific constants is not there.

Web JavaScript

• It is a programming language that runs on any of the browser’s JavaScript engines.
• JavaScript is used for a client-side job for a web app, such as validations, refreshing a page at particular periods, integrating dynamic changes on web pages without refreshing a page.
• It can be run on any browser engine.
• JavaScript pursues standards of Java programming language.
• To access any non-blocking task on OS, JavaScript has predefined objects specified to every OS.

Reason Why You Should Use Node.js as Your Backend

• Speed

The V8 engine makes Node.js unbeatable when it comes to computing speed. Node.js makes use of single-threading to process requests instead of the typical multi-threading. It helps to save computing speed as well as space. While the request is on hold to satisfy particular needs, other requests can be processed concurrently. It enhances the whole computing ability of the server. Node.js also helps to complete multiple activities quickly, like reading, writing, or modifying the database.

• Prompt Sharing

The Node Package Manager (NPM) enables packages from multiple environments to work together with the existing environment as Node.js is open-source. It makes Node.js and its package managers swift and steady in the matter of performance and development. It has over 60000 modules that are the most significant numbers online. Developers can install, update, and utilize smaller open-source software packages. They do not have to write common features from the beginning and can eliminate new complex layers that usually come along that particular domain.

• A single codebase for real-time apps

Developers can code in JavaScript on the client and server side, making code deployment and execution more accessible and prompt. Also, it aids in rapid data transmission among a server and a client, as there is no need for language conversion. Node.js is impressive in managing synchronous connections. It makes Node.js a practical framework to develop real-time and multi-user web apps. You can build gaming apps and chatbots with Node.js. Meteor is the best example of a web app framework based on Meteor.JS that executes the same codebase on both sides, a client and a server.

• Data Streaming

Node.js is very efficient in handling I/O requests. So we can exploit this feature in online data streaming. In a typical framework, HTTP requests and responses are viewed as data objects.  Node.js significantly uses these streams to implement operations while processing the data on it. Transcoding an audio and video file is possible while they are uploading. This is why you should use Node.js to leverage the best out of data streaming.

• High Productivity

Node.js programs are entirely developed in JavaScript. So there is no need to have different developers for frontend and backend, individually. You can code both frontend and backend in Node.js. You do not have to depend on other languages to do that job. Every web developer has coded a little bit of JavaScript, so the productivity ratio will always be high.

• Hosting

A growing number of developers are choosing Node.js, hosting is also getting momentum. Platform as a Service (PaaS) providers like Heroku and Modulus are authoritatively enabling node deployments seamlessly.

• Proxy server

Node.js performs as a proxy server among different services that have various response timings. You can also utilize it as a proxy while collecting resources. For example, if there is a server-side app that works with third-party resources, saves videos/images, or collects data from different sources, then Node.js can be useful as a Proxy if the company does not have the facilities for it or requires local development in similar circumstances.

Wrap Up

These are the reasons why you should use Node.js to be a market winner. If you search for a lightweight app that is easy to develop, Node.js can be the best choice for you. It consists of essential needs and components that aid you in creating robust apps. High potency and plenty of positive effects make Node.js a prominent platform among businesses.