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Top 10 Features of NodeJS For Web Developers
With the speed at which technology keeps changing, it is natural that there is always the need to continuously and innovate in the gamut of web development. Web developers, too, need out-of-the-box technology and upgrades to make their work easier and swifter.
Introduction
Today, more developers prefer to use JavaScript to work on frontend development and NodeJS for backend development. NodeJS is not a library or a language; it is, in actuality, a complete ecosystem. The combination with JavaScript works well because, with NodeJS, it is possible to make changes to certain JavaScript settings and run it outside a browser, which is traditionally not quite possible.
As more and more websites and mobile apps get developed with JS functionality and NodeJS in the backend, it is comforting to note that such applications can develop highly engaging UX impacting the ROI of the business positively.
Developed in 2009 by Ryan Dahl, the NodeJS is a cross-platform open-source tool that works on a JavaScript V8 engine. NodeJS facilitates the integration of codes with APIs, other coding languages, and multiple external libraries.
The scope of work of JS improves with NodeJS facilitating both client-side and server-side coding. The popularity of NodeJS is such that many top global companies like eBay, Netflix, NASA. LinkedIn, Yahoo, Walmart, PayPal, Citibank, etc., use this today.
Top Ten Features of NodeJS
Convenient For Developers
One of the best features of NodeJS is that it is compatible across major platforms. It makes things easier for web developers as it is flexible to work with Linux, Mac, Windows, OS X, and even mobile app development platforms.
The environment is open to working with any operating system as long as the correct package is being used, making it high on self-reliance. And to add to the convenience, web developers need to know only one language, JavaScript, to carry out coding in the frontend and the backend.
Both these features – compatibility with all platforms and use of a single coding language adds to the convenience of web developers.
Migration Feature
The good thing about NodeJS is that it helps developers to write JavaScript codes for both the browser and the server. The codes can be easily migrated from the frontend to the backend using NodeJS.
It also effectively means that developers who know either the frontend or the backend coding can easily work with NodeJS. It makes NodeJs Developers hiring process easy. It prevents developers from shifting from one coding language to another, which means lesser files and seamless operations.
Enables Agile Deployment of Apps
Since NodeJS is lightweight it has a big advantage for developers and companies launching their apps faster in the market. Developers can develop apps and sites faster while their organizations can happily meet their target launch dates swiftly.
NodeJS also helps in microservices because it can handle different requests simultaneously, process data fast, and offers non-locking algorithms. It is easy to interconnect with one another at great speed, helping in the expansion of microservices.
Scalable Features of NodeJS For Web Developers
The makers of NodeJS had kept in mind future requirements – that is why they made the tool scalable. Most organizations today prefer to work with scalable software. And NodeJS suits the requirement just perfectly.
What Makes NodeJS Highly Scalable?
- Has an effective cluster module that makes CPU core load balancing optimized.
- It can handle concurrent requests optimally.
- It has a feature for horizontal split – it facilitates companies to offer the same app to different categories of their customers based on age, preferences, and location.
- With the help of the tool’s non-blocking concurrent request processing feature, thousands of requests can be fulfilled and processed with ease.
Based on the V8 Engine
V8 is a superior proficient engine that can easily translate JS using C++ into general machine codes. V8 was developed initially for Chrome but was later coded to suit web app development. The engine is extremely helpful for the backend and all products made from machine languages.
NodeJS Has An open-source Community
Features of NodeJS For Web Developers: The community is open-source, where developers can seek support and assistance from their peers and experts. With the tool being used at a global level, there is an extensive network to depend upon.
It can be a great help for developers as community members share resources at no cost. Most members of the NodeJS community interact using StackOverflow, Reddit, and GitHub.
Callback Feature
The callback feature of NodeJS is a big plus point for most developers. When commands of certain types get executed, the codes communicate a callback. However, a situation called ‘callback hell’ occurs when there are hundreds of callback commands. In NodeJS, there is an escape route built-in. In such cases, the developers can map functions and manage callbacks.
Asynchronous Data Processing Infrastructure
Due to the asynchronous nature of data processing, NodeJS can execute simultaneous requests concurrently.
The tool has an event-based structure where the output is solely dependent on the input provided by the user. Using asynchronous programming, the NodeJS ecosystem enables JS to run even on Chrome or work as a stand-alone tool. As most browsers are compatible with this engine, NodeJS creates a runtime environment that enables developers to run JS outside the browser environment.
Node Package Manager (NPM)
The NPM consists of numerous tools that developers can use for better app development. The Manager is like a free marketplace from where one can download free NodeJS modules and packages to use them for development purposes. For example, the NPM can be used for sending and receiving real-time updates by end-users. Today, there are 600,000 projects on NPM that are open-source.
Saves time
NodeJS helps save time because it can process every file while it is being uploaded. It is especially true when data travels through different streams. The tool makes video streaming fast and agile as it sends pieces of data, one by one, instead of one large data package. That is why many video streaming and conference apps are being developed with NodeJS.
Conclusion
NodeJS comes with numerous features that make it a hero product for developers. Developers with basic coding experience can work seamlessly with the tool making it convenient for the developers’ community. It is scalable, flexible, and fast matching the speed of JS execution.