This is the era of dynamic apps. And, if you are building scalable web applications, then Node.js has to be your first choice. JS developers can write scripts that run on servers, single-page application frameworks, build real-time apps, and more.
If you are running a medium or small business, then you must need some applications to run the administration smoothly and of course, a company website to be more recognizable. All you need to do is connect with a Node.js software development company to fulfill all of your software and application needs.
It may surprise you but the backend popularity of Node.js is so high that Netflix, PayPal, Twitter, Uber as well as other well-known companies are all using Node.js. According to the StackOverflow’s 2021 Developer Survey, Node.js considered the sixth top-used and recommended program among developers.
Node.js is often underestimated as the backend framework that is used to build servers only. However, Node.js can used in both front-end and back-end development. Node.js is always the first preference for full-stack developers. Besides, Node.js supported by a huge collective library.
What Is Node.js?
If you are looking forward to developing apps that work on various platforms, then Node.js could be your savior. Node.js is considered a runtime JavaScript engine and is built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. The best part is Node.js is open-source!
With the help of Node.js, Javascript developers can write code on both the back-end and front-end. Honestly, Node.js helps to create real-time apps, web-based games, and frameworks that run on a wide range of servers. This is probably the main reason why developers choose Node.js to build scalable web applications!
Node.js Benefits
When it comes to the benefits of using Node.js, it is efficient, highly scalable, easy to learn, and many more things in a single package. Let us give you a brief of the benefits:
Efficient: Node.js helps in compiling codes into machine codes very fast with Google’s high-performing JavaScript engine. Node.js is basically a lightweight platform that takes care of the event loop and does non-blocking I/O operations.
Highly Scalable: Another benefit of Node.js is of course its versatility and scalability. The scalability of Node.js makes it a perfect choice for booming startup entrepreneurs along with giant organizations like PayPal, LinkedIn, and Netflix.
Easy to learn: Developers with basic javascript knowledge can learn Node.js pretty quickly. It takes only a few weeks to master Node.js and the simplicity of the applications makes it fit for all projects.
Complete projects faster: The faster you can bring the results, the better. It is a highly competitive market! Node.js helps in developing programs quickly and launching the project or products within a short deadline!
Tested and Trusted: Developers all over the world are using Node.js actively for more than 8 years. Large companies like LinkedIn, Netflix, and eBay have been using Node.js in their backend for quite a long time. So, when it comes to reliability and trust, Node.js will exceed your expectations.
The Applications Of Node.js
Common people misunderstand Node.js as the backend framework only. The truth is, Node.js is also a frontend framework that can also create servers as well as multiple applications. Node.js frameworks are event-driven as well as ‘non-blocking’ which makes Node.js a popular choice in custom JavaScript development services among full-stack developers.
There are more reasons why Node.js is a popular choice for back-end as well as front-end development: it’s all about better Network Connection, Connection Events, Enterprise Node.Js, Server Pickup, and of course Configuration Files.
Frameworks For Node.js
There are many frameworks that can aid Node.js:
Nest.js: This is a strong Node.js backend framework suitable for creating bigshot enterprise-level projects. It is backed with large libraries – Model-View-Presenter (MVP), Object-Oriented-Programming (OOP), Functional-Reactive-Programming (FRP), and Function-Point (FP).
Express.js: This is a lightweight framework for minimal designs. It mostly helps in frontend development (comes with HTTP helper). This framework is best for mobile app development, APIs, and web applications.
Socket.io: It is popular for its user-friendliness and is used on various platforms. When it comes to bi-directional real-time connectivity, the Socket.io framework should be your choice.
Meteor.js: This popular framework supports real-time functionality, frontend-to-backend connectivity, dynamic imports, and API protection.
Loopback.io: This framework is used to develop APIs faster. This framework supports storage services, REST services, and ad-hoc queries.
Node.js Drawbacks
Unfortunately, Node.js developers also need to deal with some drawbacks:
Unstable API: It has been complained that often Application Programming Interfaces are changed making them non-reliable. Often developers have to deal with new APIs with multiple incompatible changes. Developers have to update code bases vigorously to be compatible with the Node.js API version.
Lack Of Library Support: Compared with other programming languages, JavaScript does not come with robust library support. Hence, developers are forced to use a common library for multiple processes like image processing, database operations, and ORM.
Asynchronous Programming Model: Developers sometimes are not comfortable with Asynchronous Programming Model,m which is a must-have for scalable development. Besides, the asynchronous models make code clunky and force the developers to rely on nested calls.
Conclusion
If you are scaling up your program, it is not too late to opt for Node.js. As we have already discussed, there might be some drawbacks, but your developers will surely agree that Node.js works better for both frontend and backend development than many other frameworks. If you still have confusion, get in touch with professional JavaScript development services. Besides, many well-known companies are using Node.js to build their program, why not you? Got a question? Drop it in the comment section.