If you have searched upon the backend technologies in recent times, you must be familiar with Node.js. It is the most popular tool in Stack Overflow’s Survey of ‘Frameworks, Libraries and Tools’ category with 50% of the votes. Now let's have quick look at what Node.js is and why should we care about it.
Node.js is an open-source JavaScript runtime environment that is used for server-side scripting. It allows developers to build a web-based application using JavaScript as a backend that runs using Google’s V8 Engine.
It means you can use your favorite front-end scripting language “Java Script” for backend development as well. The ability to make a web application using a single scripting language is remarkable which added a major attraction towards the tool.
Node.js Popularity on Stack Overflow's Survey
Node.js runs on ‘single thread event loop’ mechanisms. It means all the tasks are executed by a single thread and the thread continues on loop to carry out all the events assigned to the thread.
Single Thread Event Loop
Combined with all the excellent features and widely used language, it provides a very fast and well-optimized web development package that can be scaled according to the business need. Node.js is best for real-time web applications such as streaming or messaging platforms which need to handle massive users simultaneously. It can also be used to develop API using serverless technology which adds up further to its advantages.
The popularity of node.js can be directly seen in giant companies with millions of users. Companies like Netflix, PayPal, Twitter, LinkedIn, Uber, and eBay are using node.js to power their web application that can handle millions of concurrent users. This standalone feature of handling the massive number of requests has been the dominant feature of node.js.
Companies using Node.js
Given that there is support from a massive community and backed by the likes of Google, node.js is looking to shine in the upcoming time. It is a technology that doesn't age with time but rather improves with time. And with the demand for a real-time multiuser application, it is a go-to tool for future-proofing your technical skills.
