Why Choose Node.js For Enterprise App Development in 2024?

Introduction 

Whenever there is talk about developing mobile applications, Nodejs app development comes as the most popular choice among all the technologies. 

“Node.js is renowned for its low-level APIs that make network application development easy. Additionally, its vast community of developers ensures that you can find the support you need.”

But what makes the technology so popular? How are businesses reaping the benefits of the technology? And how are developers leveraging the advantages of Node.js when developing mobile applications for startups, midsize businesses, and even enterprises?

Well, if you are also looking for answers to these questions, then this blog is for you!

This blog emphasizes understanding the reasons behind node.js's popularity, how it can be the right choice for mobile app development, the advantages of using node.js, and other crucial aspects of it. Read on to learn everything about it.

How is node.js different from other technologies? 

Node.js is different from other existing server-side frameworks as it is based on asynchronous events through JavaScript callback functionality. It also utilizes JS as a programming language, and everything inside Node.js runs in a single thread only. 

This means that Node.js utilizes the single-threaded event loop architecture to handle multiple concurrent clients. Its processing model is based on JS. Let's check out its architecture to understand what makes it different from others. 

Features of Node.JS

Nodejs executes event-driven operations, in which each task is triggered through events that deploy callback functions. Its runtime is an asynchronous operation that doesn't block other tasks. 

It runs on an I/O model that involves reading, writing, or manipulating files and retrieving data to and from the disk. To understand Node.js application development better, let's examine three features. 

I/O Model

It's a concept used in the Nodejs runtime that accepts inputs like communicating with servers, reading and writing files to the disk, security protocols, and https requests. This method performs operations on the data inputs and outputs using callbacks.

The nonblocking codes accept the callback functions to perform and execute them asynchronously. On the contrary, the blocking code executes the operations and performs the execution before moving to the next one. In simpler terms, the other operations wait until one operation is performed. 

Let us understand this using the filereader API. Since the file reader provides both asynchronous and synchronous methods. So, in the case of an asynchronous method, the default code will be:

In the case of the synchronous method, the code will be

Event-driven architecture

Nodejs is single-threaded, which means that it runs only one action at a time. However, it runs its operations smoothly using event emitters and events. 

But how do these events help?

Well, events refer to the actions that instruct the runtime about what is required to be executed first or at a given point in time using the specific data. 

When event emitters are discussed, they refer to response projects that can be acted upon or subscribed to execute specific operations. 

These event emitters develop a connection and emit the events depending upon the specific pre-determined events that accept callback. 

The Node system adds these events to the queue where the processes and events are added to resolve and eventually removed from the queue. This event-driven architecture contributes to developing a robust system and enables it to execute one task at a time with a higher speed. Hire Node.js developers to acquire the quick time to market with high-performing applications.

Asynchronous architecture

Since the Nodejs runtime executes a single-threaded operation, to help this operation, Node JS runs an asynchronous, non-blocking operation that enables it to carry out varied operations at a time. This means that while executing a single operation, it does not necessarily wait for one operation to resolve before moving to the next one. Rather, it uses callbacks to get the results of the operations and return them. 

In a nutshell, the asynchronous architecture aids in providing seamless operations devoid of blocking the entire code. 

Components of Node.JS architecture

Node.js server

Node.js is a server-side platform that receives user requests, processes them, and returns a response to the users based on the processed information. 

Requests

The request received by the server can be non-bocking or blocking. This categorization is based on the tasks that the user wants to perform in an application. 

Thread pool

The thread pool is comprised of all the threads available for performing tasks that might be required to fulfill the client's requests. 

Event queue

The event queue stores incoming client requests, which are then passed into the event loop one by one. 

Event loop 

The event loop receives indefinite requests and then processes them. These requests are reported with responses to specific clients. 

External resources

External requests are required to deal with complex or blocking client requests. These external resources can be used for data storage, computation, and more. 

The Node.js architecture workflow

A web server using Node.js generally follows a complete, systematic workflow. Let's examine the flow of operations of Node.js and gain clarity over it. 

1. The client first sends requests to the webserver to interact with the application. These requests can be blocking or non-blocking based on the user's requirements, such as requests for data deletion, update, or query.
2. When the server receives the incoming requests, it adds them to the event queue.
3. These requests are then passed one by one through the Event Loop. This event loop verifies whether the requests are simple or require external resources. 
4. The event loop then processes the simple requests like I/O polling. 
5. Ultimately, after processing all this, the responses are returned to the corresponding clients. 

When the requests are blocking or complex, a single thread from the thread pool is assigned to a specific complex request. This single thread is responsible for fulfilling a particular request by utilizing external resources like a database, filesystem, computation, and more.

Recommended Read: Everything You Need To Know About Node.js

Standout features of node.js 

You must have heard about developers using node.js for mobile application development processes. But what made this shift when there are already ample technologies in the market? Why are developers transforming their interest towards Node.js mobile application development? Well, it's the standout features and the consistent improvements in the technology that make it shine. Let us check out some of them.

Constant performance evaluation

According to the "State of Node.js Performance 2023," Node js consistently evolves in delivering excellent performance. 

One remarkable improvement in Nodejs application development is the libuv upgrade to version 1.45.0. In this improved version, IO_URING was enabled on Linux, leading to an 8X throughput increase for file system operations like read, fsync, write, stat, lstat, fstat, and fdatasync.

The Node.js permission model

The nodejs permission model is one of the major security achievements of the technology in 2023. 

This permission experimental feature enables you to limit access to environmental resources like

• Inspector protocol
• File system
• Child process
• Native add-ons

This permission feature is pretty simple to use; all you need to do is begin with the node js process with --experimental-permission and pass the --allow-* flags. For instance, if you want to provide a read-only access to the entry point of your app:

Single-threaded 

One of the outstanding features of Nodejs is its single-threaded nature. While traditional server-side platforms require the creation of a new thread for each request, node.js app development uses a single-threaded event loop mechanism 

The V8 engine

The V8 engine supports Node.js, which comprises a set of powerful libraries. The Node.js works on the JavaScript V8 engine to provide more authentic solutions. 

Cross-platform usability

One thing that makes Node.js stand out is its cross-platform usability. It can be used across all the platforms and operating systems. 

SEO friendly

One of the most important factors in developing applications is ranking them higher. That is where Nodejs app development helps!

It is difficult to rank and index content in SPAs where the content is dynamically loaded and modified on the client side using JS. 

Node.js helps with such issues. With Node.js, developers can easily display their first HTML on servers before sharing it with clients. When real-time applications use SSR with Node.js, they result in engaging and dynamic outcomes with higher ranking and exposure in the SERPs. That is where Node.js stands out! Hire Node.js application developers in India to ace the digital landscape.

Why is node.js a perfect choice for your enterprise app development?

Not only is it a popular technology, but Nodejs is considered the top choice for enterprise app development. But what makes it a top choice? How can it be an ideal fit for enterprise app development? Well, read on to find out. 

Nodejs offers high-performance

All modern computing platforms are designed to provide higher performance for CPU-intensive operations. Nodejs offers a variety of features, like parallelization using an event loop, enabling the applications to respond through external events. It also ensures that such tasks don't affect the overall performance of the applications while allowing the functions to be executed concurrently. 

It is scalable

When it comes to scalability, Nodejs is a highly scalable platform that offers huge potential by effectively using the underlying platform to its full potential. 

It allows the developer to scale the app's capacity by creating several instances at varied locations, enabling developers to split the program into several concurrent tasks. 

It has an excellent ecosystem

An enterprise system is very complex and certainly requires a robust ecosystem to support complex app developments. Nodejs offers a great ecosystem of tools and libraries for developing enterprise apps. It also offers a huge module selection other than the ones that have been built in.

It offers real-time communication

Real-time communication is one of the crucial aspects of applications, and that is what Nodejs provides. 

Nodejs is popularly used to develop real-time chat applications. Its event-driven nature enables it to deliver instant messages and real-time updates. Some popular platforms like Slack also use NodeJS to provide a seamless real-time communication experience. 

It excels at this; its architecture efficiently allows the handling of a huge number of concurrent connections while allowing real-time bidirectional communication between the server and clients. 

It has a single codebase

When we talk about enterprise solutions, it is often clear that they are built by separate development teams working on the different portions of the app. Each team is responsible for developing a specific portion of the project, and gradually, it becomes challenging to compile those components as a holistic whole. That is where nodes excel. 

Nodejs offers a single codebase and enables developers to develop small reusable modules after creating all the modules in the application. 

It proficiently integrates with the existing enterprise systems

Enterprises often look for a solution that easily integrates with the existing databases and systems to use the data and functionalities along with the additional features. And that is what Nodejs for enterprise app development provides!

Node js provides the required compatibility with databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, enabling seamless integration with the current infrastructure. 

Pro-Tip: Partner with a reliable NodeJS Development Company to reap the most benefits of it for your enterprise applications.

Why does backend development with Nodejs make sense?

When it comes to web development, the backend is a crucial aspect that demands meticulous planning, implementation, and seamless integration with front-end capabilities. In this realm, Node js for app development, with its unique features and capabilities, stands out as a compelling choice.

Well, it certainly makes sense due to its standout features. Let us check out a few of them.

• Node js also uses JavaScript, which is a well-known language for front-end development as well. Therefore, using ode.js for the backend functionality enables the developers to offer a more seamless transition between backend and front-end development.
• The Node.js package ecosystem, powered by npm, provides a vast array of pre-built modules. This comprehensive resource simplifies the process of adding exceptional functionalities to applications, enhancing the developer's productivity.
• Node.js is popular for its scalability and speed, making it an excellent choice for handling large numbers of concurrent connections. 
• The technology offers a combination of scalability, performance, and developer convenience, making it an appealing choice for backend development. 
• Nodejs is supported by a huge and active community of developers who are contributing to its growth and innovation. 

Top trends to watch in Node.js in 2024 

Since its launch, Nodejs has certainly gained a lot of momentum, and it continues to thrive in the digital landscape. With this ever-evolving approach, it is completely feasible to talk about the trends to watch out for in 2024 and beyond. Here's how it is going to strive in the coming year. 

AI in NodeJS development

AI has revolutionized the majority of industries, and node.js development is no different. In varied domains like development, designing, and QA, every profile leverages the power of AI to enhance the outcome. The incorporation of AI in Nodejs development has built a completely new world of opportunities and learning.

AI has brought automation to node.js development. Whether using a web service calling in an API, embedding AI in the application, or using Tensorflow.js, every opportunity gives a direction to embedding AI into the Nodejs development.

TypeScript adoption

TypeScpt is a superset of JavaScrit that, when integrated with Nodejs development, can enhance code quality and reduce errors while ensuring a smooth development journey. This popular amalgamation also provides a structured programming approach that makes writing and maintaining complex development processes easy. 

Enhanced use of microservices architecture

Microservices architecture represents an approach that primarily focuses on minor yet independent services that work collaboratively to develop large applications. Incorporating microservices architecture in Nodejs provides greater flexibility by breaking down larger applications into smaller and manageable components. 

Growth of using DevOps practices in Nodejs development

The combination of DevOps and Nodejs is increasingly becoming popular as it facilitates automating the entire development process while minimizing errors. Incorporating DevOps practices into Node js application development brings activities like automated testing, infrastructure as code (IaC), and continuous improvement and continuous delivery (CI/CD).

Blockchain technology integration

Blockchain integration with Node.js has become a popular trend. Using this combination, developers create efficient apps quickly while providing the flexibility required to create innovative applications that can be secure and reliable. This feature helps maintain security with scalability and immutability. 

GraphQL adoption for developing APIs

NodeJS offers multiple GraphQL implementations, like Express-GraphQL, which reduce the amount of data transferred over the networks and boost overall performance. 

Use of reactive programming and event-driven architecture

The reactive programming and event-driven architecture develop resilient and dynamic applications. However, using Nodejs with event-driven architecture and reactive programming enhances the entire web development process. 

Event-driven architecture involves developing applications that respond to events like user input and system notifications. Nodejs's non-blocking I/O models and event loop make it a perfect match for this architecture. 

Reactive programming refers to the extensive side of event-driven architecture that focuses on a declarative approach to managing events required in developing applications. Therefore, the combination streamlines development events and transforms data efficiently.

Bottomline

We hope that this blog makes it clear why Nodejs is increasingly popular and how it is fueling enterprise growth. 

Whether you are looking for a complex mobile application or a simple one that would work for you, Node.js can offer the desired cutting-edge solutions for cross-platform development with the desired high-quality customization for the projects. 

So why wait longer? Get in touch with the Node.js development experts and leverage the benefits associated with using the Node.js frameworks for your mobile applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Nodejs used for?

Node js is a versatile runtime environment that enables developers to create scalable and fast network applications.

When and why should I use Node.js for my application?

The question of when and why I should use Node.js for my mobile app development depends heavily on the requirements of a specific project. If the mobile app involves heavy I/O operations, requires real-time data, demands high-speed rendering, or even needs single-page application features, Node.js could be a feasible choice. Its event-driven architecture, scalability, and fast execution make it a top choice for mobile app development. 

Is Node.js good for the backend?

Absolutely. Nodejs has drastically transformed the backend development landscape. Since Nodejs uses JavaScript, using JS for backend and frontend development offers higher efficiency and consistency, making it a top choice for backend development.

What are the advantages of using Node.js over traditional server-side solutions?

Node.js stands out among the conventional server-side technologies due to the following:

• High performing outcomes
• Scalability
• Single-threaded nature
• Non-blocking architecture
• Faster time to market
• Long-term support
• Versatility to address complex functional requirements
• Excellent for MVP development
• Cross-platform compatibility

It also brings JavaScript to the server side, which facilitates development. The vibrant open-source community of node.js simplifies adding features to the application using a system of frameworks and libraries. 

Can NodeJS handle heavy traffic and concurrent connections?

Absolutely! In fact, Node JS is proficient at handling concurrent corrections and heavy traffic because of its non-blocking I/O model.