What is Node.js & Basics of Node.js?

Node.js is fundamentally a server-side platform that has been designed using the JavaScript engine of Google Chrome. This is one of the most viral & frequently used frameworks by the developer community in implementing & deploying scalable network applications. The key characteristics of Node.js are that it employs an ‘event driven’ and ‘non-blocking input/output model’ which enhances the performance and efficiency of the application & makes it extremely agile and lightweight. To add to it, Node.js is an open-source platform; and is compatible with all operating systems supporting JavaScript.

The subsequent sections would deliberate on the key features and concepts related to Node.js, and the key use-cases wherein Node.js could prove beneficial for developers.

1. Basic features of Node.js

The basic features of Node.js which make it the preferred choice for developers to build lean and scalable applications are cited below –

Node.js follows the asynchronous method of data interchange or communication; which means that the application programming interfaces (APIs) do not get invoked in a sequential manner. Rather, the server calls the subsequent APIs at the same time; while having a notification mechanism to track previous APIs results 🡪 promotes multi-tasking to a great extent

Node.js follows a single-threaded architecture wherein the single thread is not attributed to a single program. Rather, Node.js uses an event looping concept wherein the single thread can actually enable the server to cater to multiple programs at the same time. This is an enhancement over the traditional or conventional HTTP servers which can accommodate a limited number of requests at a time.

2. Node.js as a standalone Application

The key difference between Node.js and JavaScript is that a JavaScript application runs on browsers and cannot be used as a standalone application as there’s no dedicated virtual machine. Node.js is an extension of JavaScript wherein it can be used to execute standalone and fully-fledged applications on machines. A simplistic analogy of Node.js and Java is shown in the figure below.

As clearly shown in the figure; Node.js has a dedicated V8 engine that can execute commands; and multiple APIs which can be called for implementing different functionalities.

3. Different components of Node.js

As Node.js forms a comprehensive framework for application development and execution; hence, there are certain inbuilt components in Node.js that facilitate end-to-end processing. The different components are mentioned in the figure below.

Now, each of the above components has different functionalities; and complements each other in the execution of the application. A few of the components are described in the section below –

Call-back

An important component that facilitates the feature of event-looping which ensures that Node.js is able to asynchronous execute using a single-threaded architecture.

Cluster

This component helps in creating child processes so as to enable multiple processes to run on the same server. This component promotes multi-tasking to a great extent.

Crypto

This component presents a wrapper class that provides valuable cryptographical features to applications. The component is mostly used in ciphering & deciphering texts or communication in a secured line.

DNS

A common component for most of the internet frameworks wherein it enables the server lookup functionality. The network wrapper enables in catering to all network resolutions.

Error handling

Also termed exception handling, this component is used to address possible compile-time or runtime errors that may be present in the application. This component is more so important as Node.js follows an asynchronous mode of operations; therefore, it may turn to be extremely challenging to accurately identify the precise source of the error (if not handled properly).

4. Key usages & non-usages of Node.js

The Node.js framework by virtue of it being lean and fast; can be used in a number of possible use-cases; a few of which are mentioned below –

Input/output applications – as the interaction is asynchronous in nature

Streaming of data – as Node.js deals in data with chunks; and do not buffer data

Single pager applications (including mobile applications)

Designing APIs for transmitting JSON data

On the other hand, developers generally are averse to using Node.js frameworks for applications that are heavy weight i.e. require high levels of CPU utilization.

5. Top five Node.js Frameworks

There are multiple frameworks that leverage the Node.js platform for catering to certain use-cases; the top five of them (basis the architecture, utility, and preference) are mentioned below –

Express.js

Most popular of the frameworks; providing a rich collection of features for both web and mobile application development.

Socket.io

Mostly used for event-based interchange of information.

Meteor.js

Used for full-stack development of both mobile and web applications. This is compatible with all platforms such as Android, IOS, web as well as desktop.

Koa.js

Specifically used for interactive web applications.

Sails.js

Built on Express framework; Sails.js is mostly used in developing interactive applications such as chat-pods, etc.

Check out the video below to get more insights into Node.js.