Node JS Introduction for beginners and key features of Node JS

Node.js is an open-source cross-platform infrastructure and library that is used to execute web applications outside of the client’s browser.

It was designed with real-time push-based architecture in mind, and it was mainly used for non-blocking, event-driven servers such as ordinary websites and back-end API services. Each browser’s JS engine is based on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, on which node.js is built.

Because Node.js is open source, a global community of developers may freely use it, and it is constantly developed and improved.

One critical aspect to understand about Node JS is that, like traditional application software. It is neither a framework nor a library, but rather an operational necessity.

An executive environment includes online APIs that a developer may use to code and a JavaScript engine that examines code (often abbreviated to the RTE environment). This makes it lightweight, adaptable, and simple to use, with all of the characteristics that allow your application to optimise and accelerate.

Node.js was founded in 2009 by Ryan Dahl. Dahl has previously questioned the limited options provided by popular web servers and typical coding methodologies.

Servers were having trouble supporting concurrent high-volume connections at the time. And codes either halted the entire operation or urged the use of several stacks. All of these issues hampered firms’ ability to develop adaptable items that meet high-volume customer demands.

History of node.js:

Node.js was built in 2009 by Ryan Dahl, about thirteen years after Netscape’s LiveWire Pro Web offered the first server-side JavaScript environment. In the first edition, only Linux and Mac OS X were supported. Dahl was in charge of its development and maintenance, and Joyent finally sponsored it.

Fedor Indutny released io.js, a fork of Node JS, in December 2014. Due to internal disagreements over Joyent’s governance, io.js was formed as an open governance alternative with a separate technical committee. Despite the presence of Node JS, the designers attempted to keep io.js up to date with the most recent versions of the Google V8 JavaScript engine.

In September 2015, Node.js v0.12 and io.js v3.3 were merged to form Node v4.0. With this merger, Node.js gained V8 ES6 features as well as a long-term support release cycle. As of 2016, the io.js website encourages developers to return to Node JS and that there would be no more io.js upgrades as a result of the merger.

In February 2016, Node.js 0.10.42 was released.

Features of node.js:

The following are some of the key characteristics that make Node.js the software architect’s first choice.

Asynchronous and Event-Driven: APIs that are asynchronous, or non-blocking, is accessible throughout the Node.js library. It simply means that a Node. the js-based server never waits for API data. The server moves on to the next API after utilising one, and a notification system called Events in Node.js supports the server in obtaining a response to the previous API request.

Very fast: Node.js library is highly quick in code execution since it is built on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript Engine.

Single Threaded but Highly Scalable: Node.js is particularly scalable since it uses a single-threaded paradigm with event looping. Unlike traditional servers, which create limited threads to handle requests, the event mechanism allows the server to respond in a non-blocking way, making it immensely scalable. When compared to traditional servers such as Apache HTTP Server, Node JS uses a single-threaded programme that can handle substantially more queries.

No Buffering: In a Node.js application, no data is ever buffered. These programmes just generate the data in parts.

Where node.js can be Used?

The areas where Node.js is proven to be an excellent technological partner are listed below.

• Applications with I/O
• Applications that stream data
• Extensive Data Apps that run in real-time (DIRT)
• Applications utilising JSON APIs
• Apps with only one page

What is the meaning of a Node.js file?

• Tasks are stored in Node JS files and will be executed when specific events occur.
• Someone attempting to reach a server port is a common occurrence.
• Before having any effect, Node.js files must be started on the server.
• “.js” is the extension for Node.js files.

Where Shouldn’t You Use Node.js?

Node.js is not recommended for CPU-intensive applications.

Is node.js  a programming language?

No. Although Node JS is not a programming language, it does allow developers to use JavaScript, a computer language used to create online applications. This tool is mostly used by programmers who write JavaScript Server-Side scripts.

A programming framework is a form of abstraction used by programmers to build anything. It includes pre-written code to make it easier for developers to build applications, and it may be customised to meet specific computing requirements. Frameworks are commonly used by developer teams because they streamline and standardise code, resulting in faster development times.

Is Node.js superior to Django?

Node. js excels at building scalable, robust programmes that can handle thousands of requests, whereas Django can handle thousands of requests and high-traffic apps as well. Both systems are well-suited to the creation of scalable applications.

Is PHP superior to NodeJS?

PHP and Node. js are widely recommended web backend technologies. While PHP has long been considered the ideal language for server-side development. Node. js is appropriate for developing modern web apps.

Is node JS a frontend or a backend framework?

acYes, Node. js may be used in frontend and backend apps.