Many people may have heard of Node.js but might be a bit unsure as to what exactly it is. Although it sounds very technical, don’t worry, it really isn’t that hard to understand.
In simple terms, Node.js is a side-server platform based on Google Chrome’s JavaScript runtime. It allows for easily scalable solutions around network applications and uses a non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight, yet efficient. First released in 2009 and created by Ryan Dahl, it is now up to version 8.2.1. Applications on Node.js are written in JavaScript and can be run within the Node.js runtime on OS X, Microsoft Windows and Linux.
It’s a great tool to use. Here are the top 5 reasons we love using it as a Node.js Leicester-based company:
1. It’s ultra-fast
Node.js is very quick. It uses the V8 engine Google developed for Chrome for lightning-fast speed and more efficient code execution. By compiling JavaScript directly into native machine code, it is able to execute code faster. This is great news for us and for you!. After all, speed is one of the key factors people look at when rating websites. So, this makes it a stand out as a language to use.
2. It uses JavaScript as the sole language
The platform enables developers to use JavaScript as the front-end and back-end coding language. The payout on this is that developers don’t need to learn another side-server language to code. Gone are the days when you needed JavaScript for the front-end validations and PHP/JAVA for the back-end ones!
Anyone who has experience in using JavaScript can use Node.js right away which is great for completing projects in good time to the required standard. It really is a great step forward in web development and breaking down the boundaries between front and back-end work.
3. It’s open-source
Node.js is an open-source, runtime environment and free to use under the MIT license. As a cross-platform, it can run on Windows, Mac or Linux which gives great flexibility and doesn’t present any device-specific user issues. Being open-source, it can also produce more applications which naturally gives it more capability. Many popular applications have been developed over the years by the Node.js community which is proof of this superb feature.
4. It has a great support network
Although it’s pretty straightforward to use if you know JavaScript, you may need a bit of help sometimes. Luckily, there is a superb community support network around Node.js that you can find the answer to your questions through. Also active on GitHub, the community is a network of developers that work together on projects and to solve specific issues. We love the Node community as a networking tool as it helps keep us up to date on all the latest Node.js developments and cool features that we can then use to get fantastic results with.
5. It uses asynchronous programming
Node.js makes use of asynchronous programming which is a bonus for usability and time-saving on a job! Every I/O operation is non-blocking which means you can perform multiple operations at the same time. Trust us, this is a real plus point and enables you to send e-mails, read files and perform database operations at the same time. This gives Node.js the advantage of offering great scalability and throughput to applications.
As you can see, Node.js really is a great tool to use and one that has a superb number of advantages to it. It’s straightforward for anyone with basic JavaScript programming knowledge and it represents a superb option to have in the toolbox if needed.
Many big-name companies and brands have trusted Node.js to handle their requirements in terms of users over the years. Indeed, it has been reported that Node.js web applications are the fastest when compared to PHP, Java or .Net so it is little wonder that many people use it as their language of choice now.
If you are looking for the best Node.js Leicester developers, then contact us now. We are fully conversant in this superb web development language and will be able to use it to build you a fast, efficient website, app or software at a great price!