What is Node.js and what is its use?
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about Node.js.
What we cover:
- What is Node.js?
- Why should we use Node.js?
- What are the uses of Node.js?
What is Node.js?
Node.js is a server-side platform based on the Google Chrome JavaScript engine (V8 Engine). Node.js provides everything you need to run a program written in JavaScript. Mr. Ryan Dahl introduced Node.JS in 2009 to show that JavaScript is more powerful than just being used for front-end dynamic web pages. In fact, with the help of Node.js, the JavaScript programming language is executed in the server environment instead of in the browser.
JavaScript has evolved since 1995. However, this language did not have a successful presence on the server side until a long time ago, and the efforts made by the programmers faded from the minds of other developers over time. Until the introduction of Node.JS in 2009, the nut turned and over time JavaScript was used more and more on the server side.
Is Node.js a framework?
Before we introduce you to Node.js, it’s good to grasp that Node.js is not a JavaScript framework. Instead Node.js is open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment.
Node. js is widely used for the back-end of applications, like using Express. js to build the back-end of classic web applications. Also, it is used for server-side programming and non-blocking, event-driven servers like typical websites, microcontrollers and backend API services.
Why should we use Node.js?
Node.js has high efficiency and flexibility
Node.js uses Google’s open-source V8 engine as the default JavaScript engine which executes the JavaScript. It is very responsive, secure and blazing fast. It is regularly updated and coordinated with newest JavaScript features.
Node.js is cross-platform
Platforms like Electron.js or NW.js allow you to build applications on top of Node.JS. This way, you can re-use the same application code in different environments like Windows, Linux and Mac OS. This way the same team can work on the web and a desktop application without the need for any knowledge in C# or Objective C or other languages used for native applications development.
Node.js can be combined with microservices
Most of the projects, especially in the MVP stage, are very simple. But for large and demanding projects adding new features to the product can become a nightmare for the development team. But luckily for us, Node.js introduced “microservices”. Microservices can help you to organize your application and make your life easier. You can have multiple independent app parts, written by different team or in different language, working all-together as one enterprise application.
What are the uses of Node.js?
Creating single page applications (SPA):
SPA stands for single-page app in which parts are implemented as single page. SPA is mostly used to build social networks, email services, video sharing sites, etc. One of the most famous sites built like SPA is YouTube. .
What are RTA apps?
RTA stands for Real-time application, meaning that they can perform their functions independently from users’ actions. RTA are interactive applications like chat apps, project management tools, audio and video conferencing, and other applications that perform heavy I/O operations.
Some apps that you are using on at daily basis are online apps like Google Sheets, Spreadsheets, Discord or Slack. .
Online web browser games
With help of Node.JS you can even write a game that you can play in your favourite web browser and provide a chat room along with that game. By combining HTML5 technologies and JavaScript tools (such as Express.js or Socket.io, etc.), you can create attractive 2D games such as Ancient Beast or Paint War.
Conclusion
With Node.JS JavaScript entered the field of back-end programming. Node.js is a free open-source, cross-platform JavaScripfor runtime enviroment. It is used by different frameworks and backed up by of largest dev communities on the world. Tools like package manager or NPM make life easier. We personally love it and can thing our dev life without it.