Node.js is a system that executes JavaScript separately from your browser. We can say that it is a standalone JavaScript execution environment.
You can install the Node.js on a server, and your code can be executed on it, giving the result of execution to users. On it, node js development company – Fireart can create separate applications using additional frameworks.
Why is Node.js Good?
If you started learning to program, you must understand the concept of sequential program execution. First, the first line is executed, then the second, then the third, and so on. Maybe somewhere the program will jump back and forth, somewhere it will loop, but, in general, it executes linearly.
Moreover, the processes are asynchronous: the program can request something at the beginning of work – for example, ask the database for something. And while the database itches, the Node.js program will go on with its own business. And when the answer comes, it will take it and process it.
When developing any Node.js program, there can be hundreds of such concurrent events and handlers. To prevent any of them from pulling the blanket over themselves, Node.js makes an infinite loop, in which it provides CPU time to each function in a circle.
It is this even distribution of everything in the event loop. It gives Node.js an edge when building server-side applications. When a response comes from the base with a picture and a nickname, the server comes to life again. It continues to load the page, and at the very end, asks the base for a background image for the site.
Server is Waiting
The page also does not work yet, because it has not fully loaded. Half of the scripts don’t work either because they are waiting for the page to load completely. Everyone is waiting for the base to respond.
For each such request, resources are needed to keep the connection to the database. If there are many such requests, the resources available on the server quickly run out. And then the site starts to slow down for everyone at once.
The server starts to dull and sometimes crashes with an error. Pages fall, users freak out and go to another site. Nowadays, node.js 2024 works in such a way. On the page, for example, you need to show the user’s avatar and nickname.
The server requests the database to get this information from there, and it continues to form the page further. Until the avatar arrived, the server had already done the rest and saw that a background image was needed.
The server requests a picture, and at this time, it received an avatar from the previous request. Once the avatar has arrived, the server inserts it in the right place. While doing this, the background picture came.
All materials are in place and can show the page to the user. The page loads faster because the build happened in parallel.
What Else is Node.js for?
In addition to web applications, this language is used to create any services where a constant exchange of information with the user is needed:
- chats
- social networks
- project collaboration systems
- online text editors
And you can write almost any application on it and run it under Windows, macOS, or Linux. It can be used to develop universal applications, such as a to-do list that should work across all platforms, sync data in real-time, and send everything to a mobile device.
Recently, the use of Node.js for the “Internet of things” – Smart kettles, scales, and other household appliances – is gaining popularity. It is where Node.js helps manage these appliances and make servers that can handle many requests simultaneously.
Pros and Cons of Node.js Development
Pros
1. Easy Scalability
It is easy to scale any type of application in all directions. You can add some nodes to scale up the app in a horizontal way. It is possible to add additional resources for vertical scaling. Undoubtedly, it makes an app scalable, and this option is relatively better than other JavaScript servers.
2. Simple to Learn
This programming language is considered to be very simple as compared to others. Anyone can learn its codes and do various web development projects.
If you are planning to start using this programming language, consider it as a backend. It is relatively simple to learn and implement codes of Node.js. Within less time, you can create the modules and work with them.
3. High Performance
Many people know that Node.js is an interpretation of JavaScript code by the V8 JavaScript engine of Google. The search engine adds the entire code of JavaScript into its machine code.
It is the best way of implementing the code that ensures high performance at the same time. The execution runs with ease as it supports all types of input and output operations.
4. Caching
You can get an open runtime environment in Node.js along with caching all types of single modules. The memory requests to cache the module, and it is easy to follow the request.
There is no need to execute the codes repeatedly. It is possible to develop and load various web pages and give responses to users quickly.
5. Easy Development of Apps
The developers have the freedom to develop any application type with ease by using Node.js. It is possible to start any project from the beginning. You can create all the modules with ease.
Cons
1. Unstable
There is a common problem that many developers face is the instability of Node.js. The API keeps changing frequently and remains unstable all the time. Therefore, developers make changes forcefully in all the access codes for compatibility.
2. Weak Library Support System
There is no proper library system in Node.js. The developers use the standard library and start executing their tasks through it. Sometimes, it is hard to do various tasks by using this programming language.
3. Asynchronous
It follows an asynchronous model of programming to make it scalable. The developers find it more complicated than other linear blocking input and output programming. They depend on various nested calls to write different programming codes.
4. Under Developed Tools
There are plenty of tools available in Node.js that many developers do not use. You will not get the same standard of your project like you have expected. In many projects, this technology is of no use to you.
5. More Development Time
If you get stuck at one point, it will be hard to deal with that issue. It will take more development time than expected. Hence, your project will get delayed, and you have to be answerable to your company.
Final Thoughts
Many web development projects are done using Node.js, but many people do not know its pros and cons. Every programming language has its benefits and drawbacks.
App development is never an easy subject as it takes lots of effort and time to develop the modules. But you must know about the good and bad things about this programming language before starting to create any app.