How Node.js And Its Releases Charge into The Future of Web

April 26, 2018

Reading time about 4 minutes

“Node.js framework has the ability to run the same programming code for both frontend and backend.” That’s what makes it really amazing!

With continuous development in technologies, consumers have elevated their expectations thus they are looking for solutions that can beat the best in the market. Increasing demands lead to high pressures on development teams. But thanks to Node.js.

Node.js is an open source and cross-platform programing language that executes JavaScript code server side. Over last few years, it has been runtime choice of many Web Developers as it possesses the ability to code easily and deliver quickly. With continuous evolvement in the community, it is called ‘digital transformational framework’ that helps users to do everything, from front-ending legacy systems to tapping into serverless frameworks, integrating non-web systems, handling mobile application delivery and providing a powerful foundation for IoT as a platform.

Non-Blocking I/O + Event Driven + V8 Engine = Node.js
The Node.js stands out from the other two JavaScript frameworks (Angular and React.js) due to its VB JavaScript runtime engine. It helps it to run on the computer rather on the browser thus simplifies the development of complex applications. Node.js uses event-driven non-blocking IO model which makes it perfect for real-time and data-intensive web applications.

Is there any difference from web JavaScript?
In case of the language used, there is no such difference between web JavaScript and Node.js. However, Node.js has multitude set of APIs that makes it stand out in the marketplace. In browsers, you have a variety of DOM/WEB APIs that help you to access the hardware to a limited extent, however, Node.js comes with diverse APIs which is apt for backend development. For instance, it includes HTTP requests, child processes, and file systems.

Is it worth developing your project in Node.js?
Node.js gives a great boost to the development team as they can use the same language for both backend and frontend. Thus, makes the code cross-functional and the team efficient and productive. It comes with a great package at lower development costs, listed below are a few advantages that help you consider Node.js for your next project.

1. Smart Platform for Real-Time Applications
It is a well-suited platform for applications that process high volumes of data with low latency. One of the popular examples of such applications are instant messaging or live chat apps. Also, it facilitates in smoothly handling multiple client requests and enables sharing and reusing library code packages, helps in easy data syncing in applications thus can be considered from gaming, e-commerce transaction or video conference apps.

2. Offers Fast and Scalable Environment
When it comes to speed, Ruby on Rails might not a well-thought-out option for handling tons of requests. Node.js has an ability to process everything faster with low response times and is more scalable than Rails. It becomes a great fit for all web applications that process a substantial number of requests on daily basis. A Web Development Company with the experienced team also uses Node’s capabilities to develop ‘single-page application’ websites where all rendering runs client’s side and JSON API is required on the backend.

3. Excellent Customer Support through Chat Options
Boost customer experiences and improve support services for your brand with customized chatbots built on Node.js. It allows customers to ask queries, know product details and resolve issues in real-time thus increases customer engagement.

4. Reduce Time-to-Market
The reusability of the code from browser to the backend makes it easier for developers thus saves up a lot of time in writing codes from scratch every time. It implies they can deliver the web applications in much lesser time as compared to build on conventional technologies.
To add proficiency, the framework keeps on adding to development value with continuous release of new versions and updates of it. Let’s look at how Node.js 10 (the latest version) is new and different from Node.js 9.

Major Features Node.js 9:

  • Supports Google V8 6.2 JavaScript Engine
  • Available for both HTTP/2 and N-API
  • Features enhanced ‘Error’ objects which help you to gain control over handling errors
  • Doesn’t close connection, rather sends a ‘400 Bad Request’ response

Major Features Node.js 10:

  • Supports Google V8 6.6 JavaScript Engine
  • Error handling improvements thus check constant errors with ease
  • Includes async generator thus boosts performance
  • With the 10.0.0 release, you get increased transparency into code performance

If you are thinking to develop real-time web apps, Node.js is a smart choice. Along with delivering optimum performance, it decreases page load times and offers scalability thus keeps both developers and customers satisfied.