Choosing the right technology stack is important for any web development project. Professional developers take some time to find the right platforms, tools, and languages. Their choice can affect future app performance.
So, which app development technology should the company choose for projects? Every technology used for frontend and backend developments has some pros and cons.
Nowadays, several developers use Node.js to design the backend structure of the application. But, which projects can be accomplished with Node.js? What are the reasons for relying on Node.js?
Node.js is a cross-platform, backend, open-source, JavaScript runtime environment. While running on the V8 engine, Node.js implements the JS code outside the browser. In fact, developers can use it for building scalable and robust network applications. Node.js has the potential to open, create, read, delete, and write your server files.
Why do several programmers prefer Node.js for development projects?
Node.js provides you with an opportunity to use the JavaScript language for dealing with both backend and frontend developments. There are several other advantages of using Node.js.
No difficulty in learning the language
Developers with knowledge of JavaScript can easily deal with Node.js. But, they should learn the basics of backend development. Programming knowledge enables them to use Node.js.
A big community
As Node.js provides an open-source environment, it encourages contribution to refine and adopt the best platform.
Highly scalable
It is one of the biggest reasons for choosing Node.js for web development. Node.js is capable of managing multiple concurrent requests at a time without affecting the server. For this reason, large organizations that need complicated applications like to use Node.js. Furthermore, Node.js is the perfect choice for systems that use the microservices architecture where versatility and scalability are easily achievable.
The availability of several hosting providers
Due to the faster growth in the last few years, some web servers and cloud-based hosting providers have provided better ways to host Node.js codes.
Good ecosystem
Developers can find lots of free code packages while browsing the Node.js package manager. Moreover, these packages are reusable with Node.js.
Developer-friendly and mobile-friendly solutions
The best fact about Node.js is that it gives you an opportunity to develop apps, which run uninterruptedly on Windows, Linux, and other Operating Systems. Cross-platform application developments have gained higher popularity.
You don’t need to be concerned that your app will not run on other OS. Professional developers can successfully build apps running on multiple platforms. They can avoid making any modifications to the design.
Faster and lighter
Node.js relies on the C++-based V8 JavaScript engine. Also, this high-end, open-source engine was created by Chromium and Chrome browsers. A V8 engine is capable of managing memory allocation and implementing JavaScript.
The non-blocking model used by Node.js can deal with requests in an asynchronous thread. It will minimize the CPU workload and memory. That is why your app becomes lightweight.
When should you use Node.js?
We have already talked about the advantages of using Node.js for your web development projects. But, you should not use it for every project. So, what are the practical applications of Node.js? You can choose Node.js to build-
Real-time applications
Performance and speed are the major reasons for using Node.js. Thus, certified developers like to use it for building real-time chatting and messaging applications. Node.js can easily manage heavy traffic received by online chatrooms and applications for sending short messages. There will be no issue when the apps display messages at a time.
Applications that need high scalability
Optimal scalability has made Node.js the best option for apps, which need to endure high peak contents. For this reason, Uber and some other popular apps have used Node.js for development projects. Your business may have a growing network so you may find high-demand peaks. In fact, Node.js is used for overcoming these challenges.
Data streaming applications
Streaming is a process involving the transfer of a high volume of data in small packages (and not a single batch). Node.js is the right choice for video and audio streaming applications. It has built-in modules, which are compatible with data streaming applications. Moreover, it helps in dealing with writable and readable data streams.
Collaboration tools
Node.js is the most reliable technology for developing collaborative tools that promote real-time interactions. For instance, the project management app, Trello, was designed using Node.js, which provides event-driven solutions. Applications that need updates and documentation suites are best developed using Node.js.
IoT-enabled applications
Node.js is a suitable choice for building IoT applications. The powerful and fast-performing technology can manage the flow of a large amount of data. Besides, Node.js is integrated with IoT protocols. Thirdly, the NPM (Node Package Manager) provides you with several IoT modules, making IoT project implementation easier.
Although Node.js has several use cases, it is not the right option for some other projects.
Applications that need heavy server-side computing should not be developed with Node.js. As Node.js uses a single CPU code, several server computations block other requests. That is why the event-driven model of Node.js will be of no value to users. Ultimately, your application will not perform best.
Some server-side applications involve the use of relational databases. Your developers avoid using Node.js for building these applications. Tools for the relational database are not advanced. However, there are other technologies to fill the gap and make Node.js effective for application development.
Again, Node.js is not desirable for building a CRUD app where data directly comes from servers. There is no need to use API. The use of Node.js in this scenario will result in wasting powerful features.
Final thoughts
It can be concluded that Node.js is a highly innovative and valuable app development tool with several use cases. The best app development company relies on this technology to make their projects successful. The vast Node.js developers’ community is an advantageous fact. You can look for the most reliable Node.js app developers for your upcoming projects.