What is node js?

Node Js is a server-side JavaScript interpreter which enable JavaScript to work outside the context of a browser. It is built on the V8 engine that has been developed by Google for their Chrome browser. Node Js is so loved for its non-blocking model of I/O event-driven which enables the framework to handle multiple connections at once and not block the main thread. This makes the data structure very useful in instances where there is frequent updating of the data such as in the chat, online gaming as well as streaming. In this article, the writer intends to make an introduction of node js, special attributes, the benefit it holds as well as the drawbacks it comes with and possible applications.

Key features of Node JS

Asynchronous programming: Node js executes it either in an asynchronous manner or you could also term it as an event driven model which allows node to handle multiple requests at once without affecting the control flow of the core thread. This helps in improving performance as well as scalability.

Event-driven I/O: Node js is based on I/O event loop, where callbacks are fired after all I/O operations are completed. This enables a number of requests to be addressed at the same time.

Single-threaded event loop: Node.js utilizes the event loop along with the use of a single-threaded architecture for the execution of asynchronous operations. This helps to make the programming model more simplified and also assists in reducing the costs incurred in the creation and management of threads.

Cross-platform compatibility: Node js supports the different operating system like windows and Linux operating systems and MAC OS. It also makes it a suitable tool that can be applied in different development environments.

Rich ecosystem: Another advantage of Node js is that it has large number of different modules and libraries through npm (Node Package Manager). 

Advantages of node js

Performance and scalability: Node js is event driven but it is also very efficient when it comes to resource utilization in creating high performance and scalable applications.

Real-time applications: Node.js is more appropriate in projects that need to perform exceptionally well at a given moment like in case of a chat application, games and collaborative work.

Web APIs: The Applications with RESTful APIs and microservices can be built using Node js.

Server-side rendering (SSR): It is also important to note that node js can be used for the server-side rendering in web applications which in turn improves the SEO and overall performance of the applications and the experience of the user.

Data streaming: Node js can stream data which is often suitable for application that process large amounts of data or in real time processing.

Disadvantages of node js

Callback Hell: As for asynchronous programming, the most typical challenge is the nesting of callbacks, which leads to challenges with code readability and maintainability. With more features invoked in the modern world such as promises and async/await, this problem can be however worked around.

CPU-bound tasks: However, Node js may result in poor performance of CPU-demanding tasks because it interrupts the event loop. In such cases, it can be something different to address with a worker pool or it is possible to consider that in this case it is better not to work in Scala at all.

Common Use Cases

Real-time applications: Instant messaging, communication and collaboration tools, games

Web APIs: RESTful APIs, microservices

Server-side rendering (SSR): For improving SEO as well the performance of the website and every page, the pages are rendered on the server.

Data streaming: Dealing with big data or, in fact, working with data streams that are being delivered uninterruptedly

Internet of Things (IoT): Designing IoT applications for the reason that it is light in terms of the infrastructure and consuming large amounts of resources as well.