Javascript is ruling the technological industry. Today it’s given the name of a universal software technological language and in its own list of programming languages Node.js ranks among the top.
Node JS is one of its top and most popular languages among all. According to a study, 85% of developers worldwide find it a perfect choice for web development.
Any idea why? Intuitiveness and productivity are two big reasons companies love to use Node.js, and there are plenty of other reasons why the business world has embraced this language. It’s been called easier to learn and more scalable than other languages, plus it saves 58% of development costs.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of Node.js to help you make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for your business.
What is Node JS?
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript run-time environment that allows developers to write web applications using a single programming language across the client and server-side of the application. Node Js has been around for more than two decades but only rose to prominence in recent years due to its asynchronous event-driven model, which makes it ideal for data-intensive real-time applications.
The Pros of Node JS
#1. Ease of Scalability
Node.js is highly scalable because it uses non-blocking I/O APIs in its core modules, allowing your app to handle more requests with high throughput (the amount of data processed over time). With this language, you can run large-scale real-time applications that support thousands of concurrent clients without worrying about the overhead.
E.g., Twitpay uses Node.js to process micro-transactions without having to worry much about the number of customers using its platform or how many transactions it has in a day.
#2. Known for Better Performance
Data streaming in Node Js is much faster than in other languages because it doesn’t have to wait until all the data arrives before processing or responding to a request. It also allows you to handle many concurrent connections at once, making it great for network programming.
E.g., A streaming platform like Twitch uses Node Js to handle thousands of concurrent requests without worrying about your app’s performance.
#3. Cost-efficient with Full-stack JavaScript
Since all web developers are well versed in JavaScript, using this language to write both your backend and frontend will save you from hiring two sets of developers. And with the vast array of JavaScript libraries available for all kinds of tasks, you can create a custom solution that suits your business needs without worrying about compatibility issues or learning new languages.
E.g., Social media platforms like Twitter use Node Js to create a custom solution that allows them to process huge chunks of data in real-time while still interacting with the frontend.
#4. Extraordinary Tech Stack
Node Js is built on Google Chrome’s V-like JavaScript engine and uses an event loop for asynchronous I/O, making it great for building fast, scalable network applications. It also comes with a rich standard library that supports many common JavaScript modules. It allows you to quickly build high-performance web apps without relying on third-party tools or libraries for basic tasks like data streaming and JSON processing.
E.g., Twitpay uses Node Js’ event loop model to process thousands of transactions every day.
#5. Best for Customized Requirements
Since Node Js’ modules are written with C/C++, it allows you to create your custom code that gives users direct access to low-level operating system resources. You also have complete control over third-party modules, allowing you to optimize your application’s performance without having to worry about changes in the underlying technologies.
E.g., Today is a custom Node Js platform that allows users worldwide to buy and sell digital currencies with ease using its customized tech stack.
#6. Quick Development
Node Js allows you to create fully functional web apps in a short time because it’s much faster than other languages like Ruby or Python, which can take days. And with its ability to handle many requests at once, you can build scalable enterprise applications that are reliable and high-performing without worrying about performance issues.
E.g., Twitpay started building its first version in Node Js within two weeks without compromising scalability or performance.
#7. Great for Real-time Apps
Node Js is especially suitable for real-time applications that require all requests to be processed in order, such as chat apps and collaborative platforms. It also allows you to build large-scale social media apps and eCommerce websites with great convenience.
E.g., Twitpay uses Node Js Streams for its real-time video streaming feature, which allows users worldwide to watch live streams without any downtime or lag.
#8. Provides a Rich Data Streaming Library
Node Js comes with a built-in library called Node Js Streams that allows developers to create real-time applications, processing large chunks of data without significant issues. It works so well out of the box that you can create a professional-grade streaming application in a brief period.
E.g., Twitpay uses Node Js Streams for its real-time video streaming feature, which allows users from all over the world to watch live streams without any downtime or lag.
The Cons of Node JS –
1. Lack of good IDEs for Node JS:
Right now, there is no good IDE for Node Js, and there are plenty of essential documents and tutorials available online. Still, you can’t use them to build a full-fledged web app without the help of an effective development environment that includes debugging tools, code completion features, and more.
2. Unstable API
Node Js has a very unstable API. The Node Js website says that you shouldn’t expect the APIs to be stable and recommends using “The LTS release or Active Long Term Support stream.”
3. Inability to Process CPU Bound Tasks
One of the most significant drawbacks is that Node Js can’t handle CPU-bound tasks. You have to use a different language for this task since it won’t work with JavaScript alone.
E.g., GPU processing in React Native requires you to add some extra code and libraries to get the best performance.
4. Weak in Developing Cross-Platform Apps
You can’t use Node Js to develop cross-platform applications. In case if you plan to create an application for iOS and Android, then the Node Js platform is not the right choice since it only supports the JavaScript language.
5. Data Streaming Issues
The Node Js platform has some issues when it comes to streaming data. The Node Js team is solving these issues, but these are not the best tools for creating a web service that requires high-performance data streaming.
Final Notes
Since there are both pros and cons of using Node Js, you need to know which features your web app will be using most. If you plan to build custom applications that require faster network speeds, then Node Js might be the best platform for you.
But if you want a more stable solution with better documentation, it is recommended to go with other programming languages like Python or Ruby on Rails. If you consider hiring a node.js development company, they will guide you better and develop a robust business application.
Also Read:
Best Practices Each Node.js Developer Should Follow
FAQs
Q- What is the best Node Js IDE?
Many node js ideas are available, but Atom is one of the most popular and easy to use. It’s a free, cross-platform editor that works on OSX, Windows, and Linux. You can get it from GitHub or download the installer directly from Atom’s homepage.
Q- How much does Node Js cost?
A– The price of creating a custom web app using Node Js depends on the skills and experience of your developers. On average, a good node.js developer can create an enterprise application at around $15-$25/hour. However, if you want complete control over the development process, it can cost you more.
Q- What are the main benefits of Node Js?
A- Node Js is lightweight, fast, has significant community support, and is scalable. It also supports asynchronous programming that making it highly efficient for real-time applications.
Q- Does Node JS support multiple languages?
A- No, JavaScript is the only language supported by Node Js. You can’t use Ruby, Python, or other languages to create a Node Js app.
Q- What are the main features of Node Js?
A- You can use it to build fast and scalable server-side web applications. It also supports file streaming and real-time apps that have a live user interface.
