Node Js introduction

Introduction

Node js is a run time for javascript which means it is used to run the javascript code so that we can compile and run the javascript code from our computers. It is used for writing server-side development, it is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to build scalable and high-performance web applications. It has become a very popular choice among developers because of its ease of use case and high scalability.

Advantages of Node Js

• High Performance: Node.js leverages non-blocking I/O operations and asynchronous programming, resulting in a highly performant and responsive application.

• Scalability: The event-driven architecture of Node.js allows for easy scalability, as it can handle a large number of concurrent requests without consuming excessive resources.

• JavaScript Everywhere: With Node.js, developers can use a single programming language, JavaScript, for both front-end and back-end development, reducing the complexity of the development stack.

• Vibrant Ecosystem: Node.js has a vast and active community that contributes to a rich ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools, making development faster and more efficient.

• Real-time Communication: Node.js excels in building real-time applications, such as chat applications or collaborative tools, as it facilitates seamless bidirectional communication between the client and the server.

Modules in Node Js

In Node.js, modules are an integral part of the system and are used to organize and reuse code. Modules in Node.js allow you to encapsulate related functionality into separate files, making your code more modular and easier to manage.

Common Core Modules

There are a bunch of common core modules in node js that are responsible for different functions. The most common modules that are used in Node are :

• HTTP

• path

• fs

• fs. promise

• events

Custom modules

Except for common core and third party modules, there are also customized modules that the developer can create for different use cases.

For e.g there is a module name events which gives us a class Emitter, but in real world applications developers don't use it much, instead they use a custom class that inherits the methods of the Emitter class and create an object with the custom class EventEmitter.

The Node Package Manager (NPM)

NPM is the default package manager for Node.js, providing a vast repository of reusable code modules. It simplifies dependency management and allows developers to leverage existing libraries, frameworks, and tools to enhance their applications' functionality. NPM also enables developers to publish their own packages, contributing to the growth and sharing of the Node.js ecosystem.

Webservers using Node Js

The primary reason for using Node js is to create web servers that interact with the client side and database and are responsible for all the activity going in behind that the client can't see.

Node.js provides a built-in HTTP module that allows developers to create web servers with ease. By utilizing this module, developers can quickly set up robust and efficient server-side applications. With its event-driven architecture, Node.js can handle a large number of concurrent connections, making it an excellent choice for building scalable web servers.

Real-time Applications with WebSockets

WebSockets enable real-time, bidirectional communication between the client and the server. Node.js, with its event-driven nature and support for WebSockets, is ideal for building real-time applications, such as chat applications, live dashboards, or collaborative editing tools. WebSockets provide a persistent connection that allows instant updates and eliminates the need for continuous polling.

Use Cases of Node.js

• Real-time chat applications

• Collaborative tools and whiteboards

• Streaming applications

• Microservices architectures

• Single-page applications (SPAs)

• API development and integration