Node JS: A Game-Changer or Overhyped? Pros and Cons for Developers (2024)

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Heavy Server-Side Computation

Refers to tasks that require a significant amount of processing power on the server-side. For example, suppose you are building an image-processing app that needs to manipulate large images or run machine-learning algorithms. In that case, you will likely need a server with significant processing power. Node.js may not be the best option as it runs on a single thread, so if the server is doing a lot of computation, it can become unresponsive, affecting the app’s overall performance.

Complex Web Apps

These are web apps with a lot of functionality and complex logic. Examples of complex web apps include eCommerce websites, social networks, and content management systems. These apps require a framework that can handle a lot of data and traffic. Node.js may not be the best choice for highly complex web apps because these apps require many resources, which can make Node.js slow and less responsive. A more suitable option might be a language better suited for large apps, such as Java or a combination of react and Nodejs.

CRUD Apps

CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete. CRUD apps perform these basic operations on data in a database. Examples of CRUD apps include a blog, a contact manager, or a to-do list app. Node.js might not be the best option for very complex CRUD apps that require complex data modeling or complex business logic, as Node.js is not as strong in these areas as some other server-side technologies. Additionally, Node.js is more suited for handling a large number of concurrent connections and real-time communication, which may not be necessary for some CRUD apps. Ultimately, whether Node.js is a good option for building a CRUD app depends on the specific requirements and complexity of the app.

Relational Database Backed Server Side

This refers to using a relational database to store data on the server side. A relational database is a database that stores data in tables with relationships between them. Examples of relational databases include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. Although Node.js has database connectors for many popular databases, its scalability may not be sufficient to handle large amounts of data.

Node.js is built around asynchronous programming. Asynchronous programming allows code to run concurrently, meaning that the program doesn’t have to wait for one process to finish before moving on to the next. The biggest advantage of asynchronous programming is that it allows for better utilization of system resources. Instead of waiting for one task to complete before moving on to the next, the system can work on multiple tasks simultaneously, leading to better overall performance.

How Node.js handles asynchronous events

Node.js is designed to handle asynchronous events in a unique way. It uses a single-threaded event loop to handle all I/O operations.

When an I/O operation is initiated, Node.js adds it to the event loop, which then handles it asynchronously. This means that instead of the program waiting for the I/O operation to complete, it can move on to the next task while the I/O operation is being processed.

This approach leads to more efficient use of system resources, making Node.js ideal for apps that require high performance and scalability.

Did you know that it would take Netflix much longer to load its website without using JavaScript? That’s right! With dozens of simultaneous requests coming in, your app’s response time can take a big hit, and this can be a real performance killer unless you have the right technology to handle the load. That’s where Node JS comes in with its non-blocking asynchronous architecture, allowing you to use fewer resources to handle more requests and ensuring lightning-fast response times that keep your users happy.

One of the biggest perks of using Node JS is that it packs a punch for real-time apps. You get high-performance capabilities that allow you to create supercharged apps that can easily handle multiple tasks. The IPsec architecture is incredibly scalable, enabling it to handle simultaneous queries without clogging up your RAM. And since it’s event-driven and non-blocking, your code can execute at lightning-fast speeds that can seriously boost your app’s performance. It is little wonder that GoDaddy and other big names use NodeJS to surpass their competitors.

NodeJS offers the unique advantage of flexibility. Unlike other run-time environments or frameworks, a change made in Node Js will only impact that specific node and not require you to change the core programming. When you combine JSON with Node Js, it becomes easy to exchange data between client and web servers. Technology is constantly evolving and is being recognized as the best in the industry. It has several features, such as cluster modules that enable loading balance on multiple CPU cores, improving performance by reducing CPU power consumption. Additionally, Node.js uses a no-blocking events loop mechanism, enabling high scaling and smooth processing of server requests.

Node.js enables developers to build interactive web apps across multiple platforms, including Electron and NW.Js, which means less time spent creating separate programs for each desktop version. You don’t need experience in languages like Objective-C or C# to create desktop software because your Node.js developer can use Chrome developer tools to build, debug, and write code without limitations. Think about having two separate teams, each responsible for different areas of your project. While it may seem ideal, communication gaps between these teams can create many loopholes in your product. But with Node.js, you can create an efficient development team. As a fully stacked technology, Node.js provides a healthier working environment that enables effective issue resolution and problem-solving.

Choosing the right technology is critical when developing web apps, and NodeJS offers several advantages, such as scalability, speed, and performance. The decision you make now will determine how quickly you enter the market. As businesses expand and evolve, they need tools to keep up with the change. The framework comes with a comprehensive package to develop server-side apps using HTTP/DNS services and JSON format for easy communication between web clients. PayPal is a perfect example of how successful NodeJS can be, with a $551 billion annual payment rate and 244 million users worldwide. With NodeJS, development is cost-effective, and integrating JavaScript provides exceptional benefits, making the process super effective.

Node JS: A Game-Changer or Overhyped? Pros and Cons for Developers (3)

JavaScript was once considered a niche programming language, but NodeJS has changed the game. With NodeJS, developing is simple, speedy, and requires minimal coding skills. Whether you’re new to coding or a seasoned pro, NodeJS is easy to grasp.

The NodeJS community is vast, providing a wealth of resources and specialized expertise to tackle any complex software project. NPM is the world’s largest package management registry, providing a JavaScript package management tool to boost software development. GitHub is also an excellent source of resources, with developers from all over contributing code to create solutions that offer greater flexibility and reduced costs.

Node JS makes it easy to write server-side and front-end code using Javascript. This eliminates the need for separate resource teams, saving time and costs. LinkedIn achieved impressive performance dynamics after switching from Ruby on Rails to Node.JS, reducing their servers from many to just three, and finding resource delegation efficient. In a market where time is critical for developers, Node.js offers fast development speeds and easy access to libraries from GitHub, reducing coding time and costs. With Node Js, it’s possible to code quickly and efficiently, managing both server and client-side JavaScript, providing a faster, more efficient process than with similar technologies.

In software development, code reusability is like hitting two birds with one stone — it increases the value of an app while also making it more secure and dependable.

Reusing code saves time and reduces the app’s probability of bugs or issues. Fewer lines of code make the app more straightforward to maintain. With Node.js, developers can benefit from a lightweight caching module that saves time and speeds up tasks. When the first module in your app receives an update, the request is stored within your app’s internal storage system, allowing users to access your website quickly and without delays. eBay has embraced the efficiency and real-time capabilities of NodeJS in its tech stack, enabling live connections on its website.

In the race to get your product on the market, time is money. To avoid sinking your budget into a potentially fruitless endeavor, it’s wise to test the waters first with an MVP, a lean and mean version of your product that you can quickly and cheaply develop to see if it gains traction. With Node.js, you can rapidly build your MVP, featuring a critical component or two that will pique the interest of your target customers. Think of it as a trial run that will let you see if your product is worth pursuing.

Although Node.js is an excellent tool for single-threaded and event-based programming, it cannot handle heavy computing tasks effectively. When Node.js is faced with a large CPU-bound task in its event loop, it uses all the CPU power, slowing down the entire event loop and causing the app’s interface to lag.

In 2018, Node.js introduced a solution to this problem called the “worker threads” module. It allowed developers to execute multiple threads concurrently, but it was still insufficient for handling CPU-bound computation problems. The use of worker threads is not a complete solution to the issue of handling heavy computing tasks in Node.js.

The API (application programming interface) is the set of rules and protocols that developers use to create software/apps. One of the most frustrating aspects for those who use Node.js is the constant modifications to its API. The changes are usually incompatible with older versions, meaning users must update their code to keep up with the latest API release. This can be quite an annoyance and a time-consuming process.

Node.js has an Asynchronous Programming Model based on callbacks, making it a bit hard to maintain the code. This is because callbacks are responsible for executing tasks one by one and keep running in the background until all the tasks have been completed. This results in a “callback hell” situation, where the code becomes complex and difficult to manage, leading to poor performance and code quality. Due to this limitation, it becomes arduous to comprehend and maintain the code, making it a frustrating task.

When you use Node.js, you may face the danger of incomplete and poorly documented libraries in various NPM registries. This shortage can be especially hazardous for amateur web app developers. The abundance of open-source libraries and modules with varying levels of quality control makes it tricky to pick the right one. Only experts with extensive project experience can ensure success for your project. Choosing the right tech partner to develop your web apps is vital for achieving exceptional results.

Here are the companies using Node.js for better results:

Netflix
Trello
LinkedIn
Twitter
NASA
PayPal
Uber

NodeJS is a popular choice for web and mobile app development. Big companies such as Netflix, Uber, and LinkedIn are already reaping the rewards of NodeJS. It’s budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for startups that don’t have the resources for expensive development teams. NodeJS also allows for quick MVP development, a perfect solution for startups with short budgets and strict timelines.

Startups can take advantage of cost-effective technologies like NodeJS, as it is expected to grow in popularity in the coming years. In other words, startups should get on the NodeJS bandwagon early to maximize its benefits.

NodeJS is a jack of all trades and can be used for front-end and backend development. However, it is more commonly used for backend web app development because of its highly scalable and flexible framework. NodeJs handles numerous connection requests in real-time, making it an ideal option for the backend.

NodeJS is a popular choice for developing enterprise apps thanks to its ability to manage multiple connection requests simultaneously. It is also highly efficient in front and backend development, making it the perfect fit for enterprise apps. Its asynchronous nature and non-blocking IO make it easier to develop these apps, and it is easy to learn.

Many experienced software developers who specialize in mobile and web apps use NodeJs, so if you require it, you can hire developers who are already familiar with the technology. Even if your hired developers are not skilled in Node Js, it is easy to learn, and they can learn it quickly.

Typically, a good NodeJs developer needs to have two to three years of experience. If you want an in-house team of NodeJs developers, you’ll need to increase your budget and face additional overhead costs. In contrast, outsourcing is a more cost-effective option for hiring Node Js developers. So, take the stress out of your search and get in touch with us today!