Node.js is a runtime environment, something between framework and library. It’s used to rub web apps outside the browser.
Node.js is built on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine.
RTE (runtime environment) usually contains Web API so the developers can build a code. That’s why the result is flexible, optimized, and easy to deploy.
Node.js can be used to build an app using external libraries and JavaScript codes. As you suppose, knowledge of Node.js (some developers simply call it node) opens plenty of chances to work in IT companies.
It was developed by a guy named Ryan Dahl, in 2009, who disliked the popular coding methods of that time. Web servers couldn’t handle requests and connections, and there was a huge need for something better and improved.
In order to understand what Node.js is, you need to know some basic terms and definitions.
Contents
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript was and is used to build website features. JavaScript was usually used for client-side scripting. Later, Node.js changed the whole situation, resulting in a faster and more efficient solution for server-side applications.
Today, more than 90% of websites use JS on the client-side and even incorporate third-party libraries. Initially, JS was used strictly for web browsers, but now it’s implemented in different applications. And we have come to the point where we introduce Node.js as the most popular runtime system used nowadays.
Where and how is Node.js used?
Node.js runs on almost all operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. That means it’s pretty flexible to hire node js developers because they don’t need to invest in new computers to develop their projects, nor should the company buy for them. By using Node.js, you can build complicated applications and still use simple syntax. It’s perfect for microservices that are capable of working individually.
Node.js can be used to generate dynamic pages, open, read, close, write, and delete server files, collect data, and modify it as required. That’s why it is mostly used for real-time apps and collaborative tools.
Today, many big companies are using Node.js software, including LinkedIn, PayPal, Netflix, Groupon, IBM, etc.
Popularity, pros, and cons
Node.js is easy to learn, especially for those who already know how to use Java and JavaScript. With this runtime environment, you can turn the JS code into machine code effectively.
It handles the web requests properly, providing a fast response.
Node.js is also used to develop functional websites, real-time chats, IoT apps, data streaming, SPAs, etc. It covers a large part of the IT market, which means there will always be some companies that want to hire Node.js developers and offer a competitive salary for them.
The rise of web services ensures there will always be interesting job positions for Node.js experts.
So, we can say that these are the benefits of learning and using Node.js:
- Easy to learn
- Freedom and flexibility
- Active community
- Constant improvements
- Career chances
- Competitive salary for developers
- Improving the web services
- Time-saving solution when building large apps
Surely, there are some disadvantages that we should be aware of, especially when we know there are many node.js developers for hire on the market:
- Tasks can be overwhelming
- The competition is huge
- Unstable API
- Lack of consistency due to fast improvements
- Doesn’t support multi-threaded programming
- You still need to write some functionalities from scratch
With all these things said, you can determine if you want to embrace a career in Node.js web app development. You can always stick to the things you know because IT companies work as teams, which is quite easing for the developers.
Options for career
When you know programming languages, you can always find a job at IT companies as part of a team or individual developer. Additionally, you can work as a freelancer on specific projects and get paid by performance.
Technologies are growing and getting even better as time goes by, so there is always a need for Node.js developers.
So, if you are thinking about taking this career path, you won’t get wrong. You will always have a project to work on, and you may even teach young developers, beginners, or mentor software engineering students.
As you can see, you have a lot of options to choose from, from being an independent Node.js developer to teaching people how to become that.
Final Words
It’s not easy to become the best Node.js programmer on the market. It takes quite a lot of time and dedication to learn everything, and also, don’t underestimate the practice options to gain more experience.
Node.js is the future of dynamic and functional web solutions.
It’s quite encouraging to know that your professional profile is always in high demand and well-paid for sure.