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Today, Node.js is rightfully considered one of the leading web development platforms, and most web tools, servers, and clients work with it. But let's take a closer look. Is Node.js Still Relevant For Your Startup in 2024?
What is Node.js?
According to Node.js® itself, this is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine.
The technology was first introduced in 2009 by Ryan Dahl at the annual European JSConf forum. It was immediately recognized as the most significant piece of software in the modern JavaScript universe. As an open-source project, Node.js was sponsored by Joyent, a well-known cloud computing and hosting solutions provider.
The list of companies using Node.js is constantly growing. It has over 300 well-known companies, such as PayPal, Medium, Trello, Uber, Zendesk, and many others.
Main Benefits of Node.js
Simplicity. At the heart of the platform are the capabilities and syntax of the well-known JavaScript. By using Node.js as the backend, you automatically get all the benefits of full-featured JavaScript development, including optimal application speed, the possibility of sharing and reuse, and many free tools. Also, the platform also offers its own tools and features. For example, there are no browser APIs, cookies, or DOM (Document Object Model), but there are own libraries and other attractive solutions.
Application in many Hosting Services. Node.js environment is available for many hosting providers.
Asynchrony. Node.js is based on asynchrony. In addition to non-blocking I/O, a Node.js server application can serve many more client requests per unit of time than a similar application developed with most other server development technologies.
Rich standard library. The platform initially had a wide range of features, and the library is replenished and improved in new versions.
How and Where Use Node.js?
This platform is often used for web services requiring intensive information exchange with users, including chats, collaboration systems, social networks, etc. Many programs built with Node.js consist of a server-side and a client-side.
We recommend using Node.js in such fields as:
- Real-Time Apps
- Data Streaming
- Servers API
- DevOps Projects
Node.js is highly scalable and lightweight, which is why it is a favorite for microservice architectures. In such an architecture, you can add a new architecture or fix an existing architecture without affecting other parts of the application. Node.js is well suited for designing such architectures with Node modules, which are the building blocks of Node.js functionality. This architecture allows applications to be developed, processed, operated, and tested independently, freeing you from infrastructure risks.
Get inspired by our blog post - “How to move from a monolithic architecture to microservices”
Challenges When Working With Node.js
Problems with large requests
Node.js is fast, with many lightweight requests that don’t require long data processing, complex calculations, etc. However, its performance drops significantly if the requests require large server resources. However, there is a built-in ability to create clusters from single-threaded processes, special utilities for load balancing, automatic restart of operations, and control over memory usage in modern versions of Node.js.
Callback dependency
Due to its asynchronous nature, Node.js relies heavily on callbacks, functions that run after each task in the queue has been completed. Therefore, keeping several tasks in the line can significantly complicate the program, making it difficult to understand the code.
Alternatives to Node.js
Though Node.js is quite widespread, there are several known technologies that are considered competitors of Node.js.
ASP.NET
Although ASP.NET has an entirely different principle of operation and is a platform for creating web services (and not an environment for running code and connecting modules), it is often used to solve tasks similar to Node.js. One of the main differences is a different approach to the distribution of calculations. In Node.js, everything is performed on a single thread but with asynchronous I/O. ASP initially worked in multi-threaded mode and synchronous I/O. Also, the main thing ASP.NET is seriously inferior to Node.js is the ease of deployment.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is known for its simplicity and its ecosystem of custom Rails packages. It is an intuitive and beginner-friendly language with solid community support at RubyGems. In addition, its database management capabilities are awe-inspiring: unlike Node.js, which uses additional packages, Rails has the necessary functions built-in out of the box.
While Rails can't compete with the performance and scalability of Node, the language may be the best choice for rapid development.
Will Node.js be in demand in 2024?
We are sure this platform will remain popular for several years. As we previously mentioned, many IT giants use this platform. Few open-source projects have ever enjoyed such strong support from the world's leading corporations. And this is proof of the outstanding Node.js popularity:
Here are some statistics to demonstrate the promising future of Node.js:
- More than 30 million online sites use Node.js (W3 Tech)
- How popular is Node.js? it is currently used in more than 85 countries (Node.js)
- Node.js ensured a decrease in loading time by 60% (Hackernoon)
- Organizations that applied Node.js reported a 58% reduction in development costs (Netguru)
Top Node.js trends to watch in 2024
1. GraphQL
GraphQL is a query language used by client applications to work with data. it is a system independent of data sources, that is, for the organization of its work, it does not matter where exactly the data is stored. It is considered the most interesting and applied technology in app development and Node.js popularity 2024.
2. MEAN and MERN Stacks
The two eminent stacks MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js) and MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js) will keep their leading positions in app development in 2024. They are robust solutions for building dynamic and single-page web applications.
3. Cloud services and serverless architecture
Today, cloud solutions are very popular, and everyone wants to use them in their projects. Cloud computing has already become an integral part of development thanks to Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. So serverless architecture is the logical next step in cloud development, the goal of which is to accelerate the transformation and reduce costs. Node.js is easily integrated into the cloud platforms with serverless architecture services.
4. Internet of Things (IoT)
In the realm of developing IoT applications, Node.js emerges as a robust framework within the JavaScript ecosystem. Prominent players in the IoT industry have initiated the recruitment of experts specializing in crafting IoT applications using Node.js. This move is driven by the desire to fully leverage microservices, real-time functionalities, and data-focused approaches.
A standout feature of Node.js is its ability to facilitate rapid real-time processing, accompanied by a reduced demand for server-side memory and resources. Consequently, Node.js empowers developers to build IoT applications that are both scalable and efficient.
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5. Real-time apps
Node.js is commonly used for making apps that work in real time. These apps, which people interact with a lot, are not only packed with great features but also work really fast. They include things like live chats, games, connecting with social media, showing ads, providing stock market updates, and more. Node.js is perfect for handling all the needs of these kinds of apps. Here are some examples of apps you can create with Node.js:
- Online gaming applications
- Video conferencing platforms
- Instant messaging solutions
- eCommerce platforms
- VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) applications
Node.js doesn't just make real-time features easy; it also helps make apps that can grow bigger without any trouble. Because of this, in the future, more and more new businesses and big companies are likely to hire developers who know Node.js. They'll want to make apps that use data a lot and need to work in real-time.
Popular Companies Using Node.js
Many prominent companies have embraced Node.js as a fundamental element of their technology stack. This server-side JavaScript framework has proven its mettle in delivering efficient, scalable, and real-time applications, which align well with the demands of modern web development. Here are a few notable companies that have harnessed the power and popularity of Node.js to elevate their digital presence and user experience:
Netflix
The global streaming giant employs Node.js for its user interfaces, enabling seamless navigation and quick content delivery. This aligns with Node.js's capability to handle a high volume of concurrent connections, ensuring smooth streaming experiences for millions of users worldwide.
Uber
Uber relies on Node.js for various components of its platform. It helps facilitate real-time updates, location tracking, and efficient data synchronization between riders, drivers, and the platform itself.
The professional networking platform employs Node.js to build dynamic and responsive user interfaces. It's particularly useful for rendering content quickly and ensuring smooth interactions, enhancing user engagement.
Walmart
Walmart adopted Node.js to enhance its online shopping experience. Node.js's event-driven architecture allows Walmart to handle a large number of requests concurrently, ensuring quick and responsive interactions for online shoppers.
PayPal
Node.js enables PayPal to handle massive transaction volumes efficiently. Its non-blocking I/O model and real-time capabilities are crucial for processing financial transactions and delivering timely notifications to users.
These companies, among many others, have recognized the value of Node.js in creating high-performance, real-time applications that cater to modern user expectations. The framework's versatility and efficiency continue to attract businesses seeking to deliver top-notch digital experiences to their users.
Conclusion
Node.js is the ideal technology for programmers and plays an essential role in the technology stack. It is the first and best choice for creating interactive games, chat programs, collaboration tools, instant messaging, and more. Node.js scope in future is outstanding, so this platform will definitely remain the leader in this industry for several years.
If you want to use Node.js in your project, feel free to contact Axon software development company. Our dedicated team of engineers will help you in realizing your ideas!
