Javascript’s contribution to intuitive and dynamic front-end development has been unparalleled. The gradual advances in the technology can be estimated from the fact that today, Javascript lay the basis for some of the popular frameworks, meant for building user interfaces. React Native, Cordova, Titanium are to name a few.
With introduction of Node.JS (in 2009), Javascript became one of the preferred technologies for back-end development as well. Node.js is a runtime application environment that enable developers to write server-side scripts in Javascript. It uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it a right fit for data intensive, real time applications.
NodeJS: What Makes it Standout?
1. Concurrent Request Handling in Complex Applications:
The I/O operations in Javascript are non-blocking, which makes it capable of handling multiple, concurrent events at a time. NodeJS leaverages to this potential of JS and therefore help an application to use less system RAM, will execute operations faster, and enable building scalable apps that require heavy I/O bound workflows (like real time collaboration apps, streaming apps, Single-Page-Applications etc).
2. Single Technology Stack in Entire Application:
NodeS is written in Javascript, which is a dominant technology for front-end development. Angularjs, Reactjs, Ember are some of the popular frameworks for client-side development that utilizes Javascript for building dynamic web applications. When Nodejs is installed on the server-side, developers have the benefit of using the same programming language across the application. Having the same language across an application creates coordination between frontend and backend developers, which helps in managing lines of code, spot and fix bugs, and deliver the final output on time.
3. The Virtual V8 Compiles the Code, Faster:
Nodejs is built on Google Chrome's Virtual V8 engine, which compiles the JS code into machine readable code, a language that OS and hardware understands. This javascript engine, written in C++ ensures that real time compilation of code is faster, for quick output rendering to the users.
Why NodeJS as Backend Development Technology?
Nodejs utilizes the speed and power of Javascript. Browser compatibility, event-loop model for request handling, JSON usage are some of the JS benefits that NodeJS is leveraging upon. And not to forget the JS libraries that are making the life of developers, simpler than ever to execute complete tasks (on both frontend and backend). So basically, everything that makes Javascript a better technology, is benefiting NodeS.
In comparison to other backend development technologies like PHP, choosing NodeS makes sense for its event-driven and asynchronous architecture. If the requirement is to build apps that require frequent transfer of data from client to server or vice versa, and requests happen concurrently (real-time applications like instant messengers, team collaboration apps etc.), then opting for Nodejs over other server-side scripting technologies is a great move.
With so many benefits in line, it comes as no surprise that a number of established brands like Netflix, Linkedin, Walmart, and many other are placing their trust in NodeJS. If you too want NodeJS to add value to your application, our practiced NodeJS developers can help.