What is Node.js? A comprehensive guide for SMBs & Startups

Ram Solanki

JavaScript is the top pick as one of the most popular programming languages, and for several years in a row, it is the preferred choice of startups and SMB for web app development. Besides front-end development, JavaScript is also used for back-end and cross platform mobile app development.

While selecting the right programming technology or hiring developer for your business, one should look up to several factors like scalability, agility, learning curve, community, support, and several more. By any factor, Node.js leads, and no wonder why most of the startups & SMBs give it a clear preference or prefer to hire node.js developer

So, what is Node.js?

Node.js often considered as “programming language”, it is not a language, framework or library. Node.js is a cross-platform runtime environment. It is built on V8, an open source, high performing, JavaScript engine. Node.js for ensured superior performance implements event-driven non-blocking I/O model. Node Package Manager, NPM is its package ecosystem which is the largest software registry.

Ryan Dahl started it as Node project in 2009 during the European JavaScript Conference.

Usability of Node.js

The usability of Node.js primarily depends on the goal of your business. Node.js benefits well for the development of a real-time or streaming web app with several coexisting connections (social media, messaging apps, etc.). Further, for efficient performance and simpler development processes, Node.js is extremely capable. Node.js can handle multiple requests and scale smoothly, so it’s pretty excellent choice for API (Application Programming Interface) development.

Advantages of Node.js

  1. Low learning curve : if you choose Node.js, you can avail the benefit using the same language on both the sides – server and client. It eliminates the need to switch between front-end and back-end. Furthermore, with fewer developers, you can maintain the server, as one team acts on both the sides. Contrary to the different languages on both the sides, Node.js require less code and fewer files. As a result, startups can reduce the code size, again measure the count of associated risks, and increase the development speed.
  2. Scalable : Node.js being a lean technology tool goes well with micro services architecture. This, in turn, ensures greater flexibility. Rather integrating new features with the large monolithic core, developers can simply add more modules to the existing ones. As an architectural approach, GoDaddy and Walmart serves an excellent example. Moreover, Node apps support both the scaling – vertical and horizontal.
  3. Improve the development agility : Node.js itself is a lightweight technology and provides multiple tools to boosts the speed of development. NPM registry provides several libraries and practical solutions that with less effort generate more value. The templates are reusable, so it is possible to reduce the code size. With this, the bug count gets less and shorter is time to market cycle. As one language works on both the server and client side, the data timing gets handier and less delayed.
  4. Reduced response time : Node.js follows single threaded event loop model, so simultaneously it can handle more user requests efficiently, without creating more threads. With the non-blocking asynchronous architecture startups can easily create real-time apps with improved responsiveness and agile performance.
  5. Reduced response time : Node.js follows single threaded event loop model, so simultaneously it can handle more user requests efficiently, without creating more threads. With the non-blocking asynchronous architecture, startups can easily create real-time apps with improved responsiveness and active performance.
  6. Mobile-Friendly : The factors like development speed, productivity, response time, competitive edge, and consistency are serious concerns in any enterprise, and Node.js proves here extremely helpful. Node.js is pretty efficient and adaptable to manage the ever-increasing mobile traffic volume, allocating the load and eventually saving the server from failing. Consequently, Node.js developers create websites with responsive features much faster.
  7. Solid community support : presently, thousands of individual contributors make up the Node.js community and the technology is accepted and practiced by over numerous startups and big brands. Such rich support and background make it a seasoned and appropriate tool that doesn’t seem to be neglected in upcoming time.

Conclusion

If you are planning real-time web apps for your business, Node.js is the fittest technology to choose. Node.js not only provides all the necessary features, but also delivers excellent performance.

The bottom line is, this JavaScript technology is your key to success for thriving in today’s competitive market and you can also hire Node.js developer for your next venture.

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