What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment designed for building scalable, high-performance network applications. It uses the V8 JavaScript engine (developed by Google) to execute JavaScript code on the server side, outside of a web browser.

Node.js is not a programming language like Python, Java or C/C++. Node.js is a runtime, similar to Java virtual machine, that converts JavaScript code into machine code. It is , widely used by thousands of developers around the world to develop I/O intensive web applications like video streaming sites, single-page applications, and other web applications.

With Node.js, it is possible to use JavaScript as a backend. With JavaScript already being a popular choice for frontend development, application development around MERN (MongoDB, Express, React and Node.js.) and MEAN (MongoDB, Express, Angular and Node.js) stacks is being increasingly employed by developers.

Key Features of Node.js

Asynchronous and Event-Driven:
Node.js operates on a non-blocking, event-driven architecture.
It allows multiple tasks to run concurrently without waiting for each to complete, making it highly efficient.

Single-Threaded:
Node.js uses a single-threaded event loop to handle multiple concurrent connections efficiently.

Fast Execution:
Leveraging the V8 engine, Node.js compiles JavaScript code into machine code, enabling faster execution.

Rich Ecosystem with npm:
The Node Package Manager (npm) offers a vast repository of reusable libraries and tools.

Cross-Platform:
Node.js runs on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Lightweight:
It uses a minimalist approach, suitable for building microservices and lightweight applications.

Common Use Cases

Web Applications:
Server-side rendering and API creation.
Frameworks like Express.js simplify building web servers.

Real-Time Applications:
Applications like chat systems, gaming servers, or collaboration tools that require live updates (e.g., using Socket.IO).

API Servers:
Build RESTful or GraphQL APIs that communicate with databases or external services.

Microservices:
Ideal for developing microservices due to its lightweight, modular architecture.

Streaming Applications:
Applications for handling media uploads or real-time data streaming.

Command-Line Tools:
Custom scripts or tools for task automation.

Why Learn Node.js?

• Node.js can be used to full fill multiple purpose like server-side programming, build APIs, etc.

• Node.js is being used to build command line applications, web applications, real-time chat applications, REST APIs etc.

• Node.js is used for server-side programming with JavaScript. Hence, you can use a single programming language (JavaScript) for both front-end and back-end development.

• Node.js implements asynchronous execution of tasks in a single thread with async and await technique. This makes Node.js application significantly faster than multi-threaded applications.