One such server is very popular among the mobile app developers i.e. NODE.JS. Many mobile application Development Companies have switched to node due to this being open-source and cross-platform. With billions of downloads, Node.js has given a thrill to many software development companies in building real-time applications and microservices.
Mobility is always the top priority. Next, come decision-making skills and real-time information for enterprise businesses. Node.js has been a great platform for enterprise app development, fulfilling all of the above requirements over the years.
This is one reason for its remarkable growth. Let's take a look at Node.js before we get too deep.
What is Node.js?
Wikipedia states that "Node.js" is an open-source JavaScript runtime environment. It executes JavaScript code without the use of a browser.
Node.js allows developers to use JavaScript to create command line tools and server-side scripting to run scripts that will generate dynamic web pages before they are sent to the user's browser.
Hence, Node.js represents the "JavaScript everywhere" paradigm. It streamlines the creation of web applications by basing them on a single programming language rather than various dialects for client- or server-side scripts.
Because it uses push technologies in place of WebSockets for real-time web applications, Node.js excels. What makes Node.js so unique? It is unique because it replaced an outdated standard that was founded on request-response and a stateless web.
We can now create real-time web applications with two-way connections thanks to Node.js. Data exchange between the server and the client might start the conversation. This was completely different when the client authorized the communication.
Ryan Dahl, the European JSConf's 2009 host, first revealed Node.js. Joyent, a cloud computing and hosting provider, sponsored Node.js as an open-source project. This company had already invested in many technological frameworks like Ruby on Rails. Moreover, it provided hosting for Twitter and LinkedIn.
Moreover, LinkedIn was the first business to use Node.js technology in the creation of the mobile app backend.
Later, Node.js was adopted by many other companies, such as Netflix, Walmart, and eBay.
Stats Show the Rise of Node.js
The rise of Node.js does not seem like a common claim. Instead, it is well supported by stats. Another indication of Node.js's popularity is the Indeed Job Trends. It displays the number of open positions as well as the rate of skill improvement.
It is important to note that the chart above shows the growth, not the total number of jobs. Java is still the most popular technology with the largest number of job opportunities. This chart clearly shows that Node.js has the highest growth rate of all technologies.
Many would contend that in the beginning, this pattern would apply to all technologies. This is a major event. You've got the first part right. Any new technology picks up speed right away.
This is mainly because startups are always looking to utilize the latest technologies. Many experimental startups would be willing to try a new technology. Node.js is unique in that it has been adopted by many companies.
This is a rare phenomenon and what makes Node.js unique from other technologies.
Other Important Node.js Statistics
- Node.js has been proven to be a successful technology that can boost your business. 70% of companies around the world believe it has improved developer productivity.
- NodeJS is used for 58% of the world's development time.
- NodeJS has seen a remarkable increase in downloads of around 40% each year.
How does Node.js Architecture Work?
An event-driven architecture is used by Node JS. The non-blocking nature and asynchronous operation of Node are two characteristics that set it apart in terms of performance. Large-scale enterprise web applications with plenty of transaction processes (input/output) can also benefit from these features.
Node provides scalable online apps and games in addition to enterprise solutions. This makes real-time communication possible. Let's look at a restaurant as an example to show the non-blocking, asynchronous nature of Node.jS.
There are many tables at a restaurant where customers can order. The waiter takes the order and notifies the chef. A waiter can take many orders at once while the chef works on the first one. The waiter can serve additional tables without having to wait for the chef to finish his last preparation.
A waiter can take many orders at once while the chef works on the first one. The waiter can serve additional tables without having to wait for the chef to finish his last preparation. Node.jS works similarly. Multiple requests can be handled by the same thread that is assigned to handle them. It's like a waiter.
The same restaurant can be used to illustrate synchronous and blockant nature. This is where the waiter takes orders from one table, then waits in the kitchen until the food is ready. The waiter cannot take other orders during the preparation of your meal.
For such cases, one thread would be required for each request. If the requests are large, you might run out of threads. These scenarios illustrate the anti-productivity of synchronous or blocking nature. Because of these additional requests, you will need to wait while multiple threads become inoperative.
This is how synchronous and non-blocking programming languages like ASP.NET and Ruby on Rails function.
What does Node.jS do?
Chrome's V8 JavaScript Engine is used by Node.jS. It utilizes JavaScript and is an event-driven runtime. It employs the non-blocking/event-callback method and provides a single-threaded event-io paradigm that makes it possible to orchestrate all of the concurrent tasks.
The ability to accommodate many connections doesn't require much RAM. Node.js is not just for creating web applications. It can also be utilized for:
- Frontends
- Servers and backend
- API development
- Microservices
- Automating and scripting
We now know what Node.js does. Let's find out when to use it.
Where should Node.js be used?
Chat
Chat applications are one of the most popular uses of Node.js. It is a lightweight, data-intensive, and high-traffic application that can be used across all devices. Because it is simple, it covers all the paradigms and aspects that are not commonly used in Node.js applications. This makes it a great learning tool.
Let's now see how it works.
Let's look at an example: a chatroom where users can exchange messages with each other. Let's use three people as an example who are connected on the message board. The Express.js server-side program carries out the following two tasks:
- The GET/ request handler that serves the webpage has both a 'Send' button as well as a message board message input initiation.
- A WebSockets server that listens for every message sent by WebSocket clients.
Our HTML page now has two handlers. One is for the click event of the "Send" button. This one is in charge of taking the message from the input and sending it to the WebSocket. The other monitors the WebSockets client for fresh messages. It enhances the user experience.
This is what happens when a client posts a message.
- The "Send button" click is sent to the browser through a JavaScript handler. It uses a WebSocket client that is linked to the server to transfer the input value to WebSocket.
- The message is received by the WebSocket component on the server-side components, which then broadcasts it to all other connected clients.
- All clients now receive the new message via the push message that WebSockets' client-side component sends to them. They simply need to grab the message content; then, they can update the webpage by adding the latest message to the board.
The easiest and most fundamental illustration is this. You can use a straightforward cache built on the Redis store for a more reliable approach.
API on Top of an Object DB
Node.js can expose data from object DBs, in addition to real-time applications. Node.js can work with JSON-stored data without any data conversion or impedance mismatch. Rails would be an example. You would need to convert JSON data to binary models.
After that, you can make them available to AngularJS, Backbone.js, and other data-consuming applications as JSON over HTTP. You can expose your JSON objects along with a REST API to your clients using Node.js.
When reading or writing from your database, JSON transformations are not a concern. You may make things easier by avoiding numerous conversions by using a common data serialization format for server, client, and database.
Data Streaming
Traditional web platforms treat HTTP requests and responses as separate events. They are streams in a more concrete sense. This allows you to create some truly amazing features. You can, for example, process files as they are uploaded.
Because the data is received via stream, we can process it online. This can be used for audio and video encoding in real time. This is also possible for proxying among data sources.
Frameworks for Node.js and Their Types
Every web-app technology has a variety of frameworks to support a particular use case during the development process. Node.js has three types of frameworks.
MVC Framework
The MVC Framework is renowned for segmenting application logic into Views, Models, and Controllers, three independent pieces. This allows developers to separate their concerns, which results in easier scaling and maintenance. Express.js is an example of an MVC framework.
Frameworks for full-stack MVC
These frameworks can be used to develop real-time applications because they provide a variety of libraries, scaffolding, template engines, and other mobile development capabilities. It can also manage the backend and frontend development of applications.
Frameworks for REST API
The framework is known for its ability to build apps in lightning-fast time using a well-known REST API experience. This means that you won't need to worry about network application architectures.
Let's now take a look at the most popular Node.js frameworks.
Top Node.js Frameworks
Express.js
Possibly Node.js's best framework is Express.js. Express.js is renowned for its traditional coding structure and straightforward design. Even for individuals with only the most fundamental Node.js programming knowledge, Express.js is simple to learn.
Node's single-threaded design and lightning-fast I/O operations are perfectly complemented by Express. Express is a prerequisite by default for all Node.js apps.
Let's take a look at some Express features that go beyond backend development.
- Asynchronous programming allows multiple operations to be executed simultaneously.
- A cluster of HTTP helpers makes programs more reusable and easier to understand.
- It enhances client-server communication by adding HTTP headers to URLs. These URLs improve content negotiation by retrieving the precise data that clients or users require.
Koa.js
Koa.js is the best tool for building web services, sometimes referred to as APIs. Koa effectively handles HTTP middleware using a stack-like methodology that makes creating APIs enjoyable and simple.
While many forms of content can be preserved with the same URL, it also normalizes Node faults. This involves translating pages, customizing eCommerce websites, using multiple image formats, and more.
Koa has the advantage of Express with more flexibility and freedom. It also allows for code writing with less complexity. Let's take a look at some of the features of Koa.js.
- This framework is excellent at managing errors.
- It also comes with cascading middleware.
- Allow for more customization and allow app creation from scratch.
- Supports content negotiation, proxy, and cleaning cache.
Socket.io
Real-time applications are developed using the JavaScript library socket.io, which also enables two-way communication between web clients and servers. You are able to build apps using this library framework that adheres to the WebSocket development standards.
WhatsApp is an excellent example. It runs incessantly to provide live updates and refresh the background process. You can also get real-time analytics with just a few lines of code.
Many companies use Socket.io, which has names such as Patreon and Barogo.
Socket.io features include:
- High reliability
- Binary support (with client-side libraries or server-side libraries)
- Auto-correction allows for error detection
- Multiplexing support
Read More: How To Deploy Web Application with NodeJS
Hapi.js
Hapi is a commercially offered server and open-source platform for web applications. Hapi is renowned for its capacity to create desktop applications, proxy servers, and REST APIs. Hapi is very dependable and safe. There are several plugins incorporated into Hapi, so you won't need to worry about any unauthorized middleware.
Hapi is known for its many salient features, such as:
- Secure defaults
- Minimal overhead
- Quick and easy bug fix
- Compatibility with MongoDB and MySQL as well as other databases.
Why Node.js is so Popular with Developers
Node.js is very easy to use. This is a factor in JavaScript's appeal. One prevalent talent among many developers is knowledge of JavaScript. JavaScript is used by Node.js. It simply takes a few weeks to learn Node.js. Although it will be a little more challenging, learning Node.js without any prior JavaScript experience is still feasible. Node.js is simple to learn.
Scalability
In order to support scalable network applications, Node.js was created. Several requests can be handled concurrently by Node.js. Because of this, it was immediately embraced by big businesses and developers. It can handle several queries at once without taxing your server. Node.js will not respond to any requests until it has received one. If there are no further jobs, Node.js will shut down. Node.js can only be accessed when it is needed. This prevents you from wasting RAM.
Node.Js. Is Mobile-Friendly, Cross-Platform, And Dev-Friendly
Node.js is praised for its ability to create flexible apps that work on all platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. In the past few years, cross-platform app development has seen a significant increase. Node.js has made it easy to ensure that apps run on all operating systems. This has allowed developers to create apps that can run on multiple platforms without any modifications.
Node.Js Is Lightweight And Quick
The C++-written V8 JavaScript Engine from Google is used by Node.js. It is a fast JavaScript/WebAssembly engine that is open-source. The Chromium and Google Chrome browsers were the intended users of the engine. Memory management, JavaScript compilation, and execution are all handled by the V8 engine. Prior to running JavaScript, it uses a JIT compiler to transform it into machine code.
Further information regarding Google's V8 JS Engine may be found in the V8 docs. Node.js uses a non-blocking method for carrying out activities. Here is a Node.js article that discusses blocking and non-blocking models. It can deal with queries sent in a single asynchronous thread. This lessens the stress on the CPU and the RAM. This lightens your app.
There are many Hosting Providers
Many cloud-based web servers and hosting providers have made it easy to host Node.js code due to its rapid growth over the years. Among these hosting providers are Heroku, Amazon Web Services, and DigitalOcean. You can also find detailed and easy guides.
Highly Extensible
Not all the functionalities you need can be found in Node.js at once. Instead, you can gradually add and personalize what you desire. This does away with the requirement for pointless libraries. The default package manager in Node.js is called Npm - Node package manager.
You can search and install more than 1,000,000 open-source packages here. It can also be used to identify and install dependencies for projects.
Its Ability to Cache
Node.js allows you to cache individual modules. You can save data with caching for upcoming queries. When a request is made, the cache is utilized to retrieve the module from the primary servers. The program loads and replies more quickly as a result.
Node is a user-Friendly Platform
For new developers, it contains tutorial videos while for experienced developers it is easy to use as it uses Javascript for coding and communicating on both sides. The asp net application development is tougher than this as it requires a developer to know the languages on the server and client-side.
Reasons Node.js Is Best for Building Real-time Apps
Speed:
A web application's response time determines its quality. The users are tired of waiting on a web app to respond in real time.
Node.js makes it easy to manage large amounts of data quickly and stream it back directly to your end-user without the need for a large number of servers.
One Code:
For the client and server, JavaScript is produced by Node.js programmers. In order to achieve the best synchronization, this facilitates data flow between clients and servers.
Since they don't have to write the code individually, single codebase approaches enable developers to save time by writing and running the code collectively.
Proxy server:
When developing an application, you might occasionally need to build a private area for the storing of data and user behavior.
It can be challenging to keep sensitive information off your workstation if you collaborate with others. Using a proxy server, which saves HTTP headers, cookies, and other non-sensitive data, is one option.
When your consumers use a tool like nodeHTTP-proxy to access an external domain, they won't be aware that they are using an API server.
Reusability Code:
The reusability of code is an important aspect of creating real-time web apps. Your skilled developers may quickly seek out help from others or swap components to determine if it would be helpful. This will ensure that they can continue working on their task without putting off any other tasks.
Node.js greatly simplifies it by giving you access to all modules via online communities like NPM (Node Package Manager).
Event-driven Server:
As you all know, real-time apps deal with large numbers of users simultaneously. Node.js' event-driven, asynchronous nature is a great solution.
With an event-driven service, developers can quickly manage concurrent requests thanks to Node.js' non-blocking feature.
Data synchronization and transfer can be readily done by developers as well. It is also quicker and simpler to distribute data to end consumers. Node.js has become so well-liked because of this.
Data Handling:
Node.js excels at working with data. Your users can update your database in real-time and add new information using their mobile devices.
The logic can be scheduled to be handled at regular intervals later, when you have the time, or it can be immediately applied to the user's data (as it comes in). Depending on which is ideal for your project requirement.
This all indicates that events will take less time to be reacted to than actions.
I/O Bound Tasks:
The majority of your time is spent watching for the filesystem, network, or database I/O to finish. Your network connections' efficiency and hard disc speed can be enhanced.
In its most basic form, Node.js is perfect for this kind of computing. The I/O in Node.js is all non-blocking. This implies that while you wait for a write or read to finish, other requests can still be handled.
One Language:
Node.js is becoming more and more well-liked as a framework for creating real-time apps that are quick, scalable, and secure. The only programming language it uses is JavaScript, which makes development much easier.
This simplifies your project and allows you to maintain both backend systems in one file. It also makes updates much faster, without the need to rewrite any code or spend hours changing code from different languages.
Conclusion
The future of enterprise application development will revolve around Node.js. Many Fortune 100 organizations have utilized it to enhance their enterprise-grade apps.
Cyber Infrastructure is also an expert in Node.js mobile application development. Cyber Infrastructure has developed an app that allows restaurants to order food on-demand and then have the delivery men pick up their orders.
Our developers have used Node.js to build a fully customizable admin panel. Assignment of tasks and order administration is made simple by this.
Node.js was used by our developers to create a client-specific, highly scalable, and cross-platform app.
