Node.js is a framework meant to help the programming world, an easier way to create certain functions. It can be used in all sorts of situations – if you’re reading this you are no doubt interested in Node.js as a framework or are using it in some of your projects. Building in node is our calling, but we also want to be useful so we’re going to name a few situations when Node.js is the is the right or the appropriate solution.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, a lovely man named Isaac said this a while back, as an analogy it applies to how Node.js is used.
For every functionality in Node.js there is application to use it in.
So the best way to find out when to use Node.js is to have a look at its functionalities:
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It uses the V8 JavaScript engine
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It allows code sharing between browser and the backend functionality
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Node is event based so you can use Ajax on the server side
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It runs JavaScript, so you can use the same language on both sides, server and client
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It can also be used for agile development and rapid product iteration
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Node.js is broken into small modules that can be composed in different ways, it order to be as manageable as possible
These are just a few of the things that Node.js has to offer, functionalities that help you understand how it works and what it brings to the table.
Here are a few situations when you can use and should use Node.js:
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When you need speed and concurrency, in projects like social networks where there is a strong emphasis on real time resources
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When you work on chat apps, irc apps
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When you are handling small bites of data in a short timetable
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When your server side code requires very few cpu cycles
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When you have an application that is event driven or when you have a large number of connections to other systems
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When you’re working on a real time app, this is one of the basic features in Node.js, it was basically designed for this
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When you have a mobile app that handles a lot of communication to API or to a database
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When you have an app that needs to talk to the backend often
The list could go on, as Node.js is quite versatile in various types of applications, so if you’re currently not using, it’s worth giving it a try. If you’re familiar with JavaScript it will be easy to use and practical in the situations mentioned above and not just. Also, a great way to use Node.js is in long polling. Usually this would put immense pressure on the server, as each update would eat up the server process, but with Node.js the server doesn’t have to have separate threads for every connection.
There are plenty of opportunities available in using Node.js so our suggestion is to try it if you’re not using it now, and if you are, let us know of other situations in which Node.js came in handy.
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