Quick Overlook
Node.js – What Is It?
Among all the programming languages, JavaScript is the most popular one in mainstream use (next to Python). As a multiplatform runtime environment, Node.js draws from the potential of JavaScript. It enables developers to build server-side applications in this language. Its popularity has been exponentially growing in recent years, not only among the open-source community, but also in professional web development.
Node.js is definitely still relevant in 2023, even though you may hear otherwise. Various popular websites continue using it, including:
- streaming services giants (Netflix),
- shopping platforms (Ebay),
- payment platforms (PayPal),
- carsharing leaders (Uber).
Think about one feature that links all these platforms, and you will easily get to the core of Node.js’s popularity. They are all data-intensive and process multiple requests at the same time. And Node.js handles that very well since it uses a non-blocking, event-driven I/O (input/output).
Node.js Development – Pros and Cons
The fact that Node.js relies on JavaScript gains a lot of staunch supporters. The learning curve for JS is quite steep, but once you have experienced JavaScript developers on board, they can easily move on to building the backend with Node. JS.
Due to the asynchronous event-driven I/O, Node.js enables you to handle requests in a concurrent manner. Non-blocking callbacks keep the application going without pause. The event loop, which makes Node.js stand out among other frameworks, is always accepting new requests even if it is processing some already. That is a perfect scenario for applications based on data-intensive features, such as:
- social media functionalities,
- search engines,
- fraud detection systems,
- customer relationship management,
- marketing automation,
- data analysis.
With the single-threaded nature of Node.js come both opportunities and threats. On the one hand, it makes your code easier to work with. On the other hand, it can affect performance, so it is not always recommended for CPU-intensive applications – those that can run for hours without performing any IO activities.
How to Choose a Reliable Node.js Development Company?
When it comes to the selection process, Node.JS does not differ very much from other technologies you may involve in your project. However, as it is a common choice for extensive, scalable architectures, it is worth putting emphasis on the way the company approaches project development. You may want to start with a few-days discovery workshop during which you will establish your priorities and key business requirements to give your project a solid foundation.
If you have not worked with this technology before, going for team extension and organizing the development process on your own may not be the safest move. We would opt for end-to-end development, where an experienced Node.Js company takes the lead, providing you with a fully shaped team together with a Product Owner.