Everything You Need to Know About Node.js for Backend Development

What you need to know about Node.js? Short technology guide

The digital world has grown in leaps and bounds in the past few years. Spurred by the pandemic, the physical world – in an unprecedented manner – made a shift to the digital world.

This, in turn, raised expectations in terms of operational efficiency among businesses. Today, businesses are adopting and adapting to technological advancements to keep up with the changing industrial landscape.

The challenge, however, lies in picking out the best tech stack. This is where the most popular and trusted modern application framework – Node.js – makes its entry.

Node.js development services are extremely popular as this framework is being used by a wide range of businesses such as Netflix, Twitter, etc. for their server-side application development.

StackOverflow’s 2022 Developer Survey shows that Node.js was chosen by 47 percent of its respondents and hence earned its position as the most popular web technology among web developers.

If you are wondering what Node js development services are and how they can add value to your business, read on to learn everything about Node.js!

What is Node.js?

In technical terms, Node.js is described as a single-threaded, open-source, cross-platform runtime environment that facilitates the development of server-side and networking applications that are fast and scalable.

In simpler terms, Node.js offers a balanced intersection of frontend and backend technologies. This means that it extends the capability of JavaScript to run on the server side of both web application architecture as well as serverless architecture.

If an analogy is to be drawn, Node.js is comparable to Java which also runs applications in its runtime. The ease of use and efficacy of Node.js is the reason for the boom in Node js development companies in the USA.

Node.js Frameworks / Approaches

Node.js is on its own an extremely powerful and versatile platform. However, several frameworks and approaches have also been developed to increase the efficiency of Node.js.

Here is a quick snapshot of these frameworks that contribute extensively to Node.js development services:

NestJS

NestJS is built on an abstraction of other Node.js frameworks such as Fastify and Express. This framework is extensible, versatile, and open-source and includes TypeScript, which is a subscript of the popular JavaScript. The abstraction makes this framework easier and faster for developers to learn and work on projects.

Modules, providers, and controllers form the foundation of the NestJS foundation. The first concept – Modules- is nothing but logical units of code put together. All applications need at least one root Module.

However, depending on the code organization, web developers may build more Modules on top of the code. The second component – providers – are abstractions of the code that can be injected at a certain stage as dependencies.

The third and last component – controllers – front end by taking in client requests, executing application logic, and responding.

Due to its ease of use and extensibility, NestJS is quite popular and offers a host of benefits. They are great for developing microservice architecture, lend a strict project structure, and enable a team of programmers to undertake a less bug-ridden development process.

ELECTRON

Electron combines the Node.js runtime with the Chromium rendering engine and facilitates the easy development of desktop applications on JavaScript. Furthermore, it also allows programmers to develop desktop applications in HTML5 and CSS, which are platform-agnostic web languages. Overall, it makes packaging and installation of these applications easier.

Electron is best suited for businesses that require desktop applications. Its framework allows speed up the development process and, therefore, it can be extremely helpful for a business that is looking for quick marketing of its new products.

DENO

The third framework – DENO – addresses the most critical aspect of the application – security, compatibility, and modules. DENO was introduced in 2018 by the creator of Node.js specifically to address the challenges that developers were facing.

The advantage that DENO offers is that the runtime executes in a sandbox safely isolated from the file systems. As a result, attackers are prevented from breaking out and securing access to the server the code is running on.

By allowing modules to be directly imported by a URL, DENO does away with the necessity for a centralized package management system. Also, DENO supports TypeScript which enhances browser compatibility – thus earning its popularity among web developers.

Why Use Node.js?

The popularity that Node.js and the surge in demand for Node.js development services are because of the ease it offers and its applicability in different types of use cases.

Here are a few reasons why you should use Node.js:

Applications are Lightweight and Fast

Node.js is particularly useful when it comes to building small, fast and scalable applications. Collaboration tools and instant messaging apps are the best examples. When coupled with fast synchronization abilities, Node.js can be useful for event-based applications too.

Flexible and Useful in Building Serverless and Microservice Architecture

Node.js is an extremely flexible framework that allows it to be used for the development of serverless and microservice architecture.

Both design styles are extremely popular because they help in saving resources and efficiently manage application lifecycles.

This is nudging more and more businesses across the globe to engage in Node.js development services.

Internet of Things

Node.js is efficient at handling multiple connections and hence works well with IoT. Node.js can successfully handle small messages that are relayed over multiple devices and hence it is very efficient when applied to IoT.

Processing Audio or Video

Another area where Node.js finds much application is processing audio and video. This is because Node.js can much more effectively handle asynchronous input and output. For instance, you can easily and quickly configure a streaming setup using Node.js.

Minimal Ramp Up Times

Because Node.js is built on common web languages, it is very easy to use and hence cuts down on ramp-up time and engineering resources, significantly. Cost efficiency is one of the major reasons for companies to engage in Node js development services.

Integration with C++ Code

As the Node.js runtime is built on a C++ server, it can seamlessly integrate with C++ libraries. As a result, Node.js quickly transmits data between the application code and C++.

How is Node.js Different from Other Backend Technologies?

Each framework is distinct and designed for a specific purpose. While the differences may not be blatantly apparent, they do exist.

Here is a quick comparison of Node.js with Java and Python.

Node.js Vs Java

Node.js and Java are often compared because both run their programs within their own runtime environment. However, there is a clear distinction between the two.

Java has a syntax similar to C++ and is an object-oriented programming language. This makes Java-heavy to use and costly to develop.

Node.js on the other hand is lightweight and based on non-compiled programming languages such as JavaScript.

Node.js is preferred for I/O applications for this reason. Furthermore, its efficiency in handling server-side HTTP requests is another reason that adds to its popularity.

Node.js Vs Python

Python is also widely popular among developers because of its simple syntax and ease of use. However, Python is more comparable to Java in terms of its object-oriented language.

While it is interpreted like JavaScript, its programs are seen to consume a sizeable volume of computing resources.

When Not to Use Node.js?

Node.js is not recommended for application development for fintech. The reason for this is the specifics of work with the floating decimal point that can lead to an accumulation of errors.

Similarly, it is not the best choice when it comes to working with heavily loaded threads that involve a CPU.

Trends in Node.js in 2023 and Beyond

Gauging by the popularity that Node.js enjoys currently, it would be safe to say that it will see much more adoption and integration as the world of business transitions into a more web-driven world.

However, some other Node.js frameworks will also see greater adoption in the coming years.

Frameworks such as Deno are expected to see more adoption due to their modularity and extensibility.

Similarly, Bun, which is a new runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript holds much potential as it offers higher performance and speed.

Amplify, which is a full-stack framework by AWS, and Remix – a newer web technology – is expected to trend in the coming years.

Need expert advice? Reach out to the experts at Tops Infosolutions!

Choose Our Custom Development Services for Your Future Project

If you are looking for hyper-efficient Node.js development services – Tops Infosolutions is the name, you are looking for.

We are pioneers in Node.js development and service clients across the globe. From developing business applications based on MEAN stack to delivering full-stack JavaScript frameworks, Tops offers a range of scalable solutions.

To know more, you can write to us at contact@topsinfosolutions.com or call us at +1 408 400 3737.

Top JavaScript Frameworks for Front-End Development

JavaScript Frameworks

In the era of rapid app development, you need enhanced ways to build up quick interactive web applications and that is where JavaScript frameworks come to the rescue.  JavaScript frameworks are the backbone of single-page applications and web application prototypes which refrains you from going into the depth of the coding structure.

One of the most popular uses of the JavaScript framework is that it submits the data to the server via Ajax without the need to apply an animation effect, validate user inputs, or reload the page. Most of the frameworks use the MVC design paradigm to ensure scalability, reusability, and maintainable code but not necessarily every framework rides on MVC; however, it depends on the need of the project.

JavaScript frameworks are mushrooming everywhere and every firm wishes to have a website or landing page made with it. Let’s check out some of the best front-end frameworks to build complex and feature-rich single-page interactive web applications.

Angular 4

Angular 4 is the improved version of Angular 2 and includes some major functionality modifications. With Angular 4, programs consume less space and run quicker than former versions and with the new engine system, the size of the generated code can be reduced by 60% – this means the more complex your templates are, the higher your savings.

Animation is removed from @angular/core but you can use it whenever you want; in case you don’t use it, excess code won’t end up in your production bundle. One of the best things about Angular 4 is that it helps to find documentation and you can take advantage of auto-completion.

Angular 4 is compatible with typescript 2.1 and 2.2 which will enhance the speed of the compiler and you can receive improved checking throughout the application. If there is any error in your template, Angular will create source maps that provide meaningful context for your original template. This is must use JavaScript framework if you wish to build huge and feature-rich applications.

React.js

React is a JavaScript library that is used to create interactive user interfaces; making your code more predictable and easier to debug. React will update your design for each state with the right components whenever your data changes in the app.

This will provide simplicity, increase the speed of the web app, and enhances scalability. You can easily pass rich data through your apps and keep the state out of DOM because component logic is written in JavaScript instead of templates and cherry on top, it is easy to add features without rewriting your existing code.

In MVC, React.js serves as “V” and we can smoothly integrate it with any architecture. It has a simple programming model and hence no need for painstaking efforts to learn complex concepts; you can create a design interface by using a suitable API.

This front-end JavaScript framework is the face behind the UI of Facebook and Instagram; hence you can make clones now as it became open-source with its latest update. There is a lot that you can achieve with this framework but need to identify the features that you are looking for.

Angular2

Angular 2 is a type-script-based open-source web application platform led by the Angular team at Google. From powerful templates to fast rendering, data management, HTTP services, form handling, etc. this JavaScript framework has almost every required thing that is needed to build a complicated frontend web or mobile app.

Angular combines’ declarative templates, dependency injection, end-to-end tooling, etc., and integrates the most excellent practices to solve development challenges. Being cross-platform, it helps in developing progressive web apps to deliver an app-like experience, high performance, and zero-step installation.

Angular turns your template into code that’s highly optimized for today’s JavaScript virtual machines, giving you all the benefits of hand-written code with the productivity of a framework. It is equipped with the components like overlays, sidebars, switches, and absolutely positioned navigation bars which provide dynamic functionality to the application. You must give it a try if you are looking to develop a complex web app.

Ember.js

Ember.JS is an open-source JavaScript application framework for creating scalable single-page web applications which use MVVM (model view view-model) pattern. It helps to manage complexity in modern web applications and has an integrated development toolkit that enables rapid iteration.

Some of the features of ember that help to stand tall are Ember CLI, Routing, Templating Engine, Data layer, and Ember Inspector. This JavaScript framework refrains you from writing long codes as its handlebars integrated templates update automatically when there are any modifications and with its friendly API, it helps to get your job done fast.

Some of the popular websites that make use of Ember.js are LinkedIn, Microsoft, NetFlix, Vine, and many more. Ember has gained the support of a massive online community since 2011 and follows tons of best practices and continues to get regular updates. Go ahead and give it a try if you are looking to develop something challenging.

Meteor

Meteor is the full stack solution for developing and deploying web applications and has several in-built features such as reactive templates, automatic CSS, hot code reload, and much more which becomes helpful for deploying, scaling, and monitoring client applications.

Development is quite easier as this JavaScript framework has all the tools from setup and configuration to API and deployment and being an open-source isomorphic development ecosystem, it builds real-time web applications from scratch with JavaScript.

One of the best things about Meteor is that it uses the same code on the front-end and back-end for mobile and web apps which prevents developers to install and configure different libraries, module managers, APIs, and more. As it goes well with Mongo DB and Mimixo database, pages load faster and updates are easier to implement.

Additionally, front-end development changes are automatically reloaded on a live web page without making the entire page reload. Meteor is an all-in-one approach and surely going to be a big player in near future.

Advantages of using JavaScript frameworks:

  • Executed on the client’s side instead of the web server thus saving bandwidth and strain on the web server
  • Uses relatively easy language and comprises of DOM model which offers pre-written functionality to various objects on pages which helps to develop custom page
  • Relatively fast as the code is executed on the user’s computer and hence result and processing is completed almost instantly depending on the task
  • Projects which need a thousand lines of code and take years to develop can be completed faster with a well-structured pattern and functionality
  • Firm security arrangements supported by large community members
  • Most of the frameworks are open source and free and help to develop custom solutions faster at a lower web development cost

Choosing the JavaScript Framework not only depends on your features but also on your project requirement, general framework functionality, and much more.

When it comes to web development and mobile development, above mentioned JavaScript frameworks are the most reliable for quick development and prototyping. So, looking to develop a single-page web application or mobile app with us by using the best front-end JavaScript framework? We are just a call away!

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