Node.js why is it necessary and for what is it created?

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Node.js is a platform that allows you to use JavaScript code separately from the browser. JavaScript performs the action on the client side, and Node — on the server with its help, you can write full-fledged applications, work with external libraries, and much more.

A little bit about Node.js

This platform was developed in 2009, this platform is based on the V8 engine. If we describe it briefly enough, then Node.JS is a C++ program that receives JavaScript code and executes it. It is thanks to this that the code that previously you could only use in a web browser can now be used on the server. Instead of completely rewriting the code into a new programming language, you change only the input data and the application will work. 

There are many companies that use Node due to the benefits it provides. Below are the advantages, and now I suggest you get acquainted with the companies that use it:

  • Google
  • Uber
  • Netflix
  • Linkedln

These are just some of the companies that use Node (the list is much larger, only the most famous ones are listed here).

Advantages of Node

  • Asynchrony
    The program can request any data at the beginning of work and perform other actions without waiting for data. That is, the program can request data from the database and continue working without them, and when the data is received, they will simply be pulled into the current program and processed.
  • Infinite loop
    Node creates an infinite loop in which it circularly provides processor time to each function that is executed in the program
  • Scalability 
    When a huge stream of users is connected to the server at the same time, Node works asynchronously, that is, it prioritizes and allocates resources more competently.

Who uses Node and for what?

It is logical to assume that it is used by fronted developers, backend developers, but others also use this platform. You can use it to write applications for different operating systems, create APIs, develop cross-platform applications, and quite a lot of other actions.

This platform is the basis of IoT, is used to create services with constant exchange of information, etc.

What about popularity?

A lot of time has passed since its creation (2009) and it would seem that this platform should lose popularity, but everything happens quite differently. 

Node is gaining more and more popularity and has already overtaken Ruby and Objective-C.

The reasons for this success?

In addition to the advantages that we previously indicated, there are many other reasons why Node is so popular. Below is a list of several of them.

  • High speed
    JavaScript code executed in the Node environment can be incredibly fast and overtake even code written in Python. The reason for this is the previously mentioned asynchrony.
  • Flexibility
    Node allows developers not to completely rewrite the code in another language, but to format it and use it on the client side without using a web browser.
  • Large number of libraries
    Since 2009, this platform has been developing rapidly and has a large number of libraries. And also using the NPM package manager you can use even older versions.

There are also many other reasons, but the above reasons are good enough to use Node.JS

How to install Node.JS?

The installation is incredibly simple and you can see exactly how it happens on our YouTube channel. There is an installation on Windows and Linux.