Node.js is one of the main execution tools in programming, acting in the backend of a project for the creation of digital products.
It is an execution environment that performs very well, so much so that we can currently observe well-known applications that use it, such as Uber, LinkedIn, Medium, Netflix, and Paypal.
Companies from different segments stated that they chose Node.js for its error checking, superior debugging, and real-time development capabilities.
To get an idea, Paypal recorded that its app, created with Node.js, was built almost twice as fast and with fewer people. It was written in 33% fewer lines of code and with 40% fewer files.
Although we work with more than 20 stacks currently, the process of choosing the best tool in a project depends on the objective of each solution.
These are relevant factors that work as a starting point, such as considering the current situation of our partners and their customers.
But will this choice make a difference in the delivery of the product or does it also depend on who is behind the code?
First, let’s talk about Node.js?
In a conversation with Tech Leader Ivan Hoinacki and backend developer Leonardo Rocha, we recalled that Node.js started being used by ília in 2015.
We started with Node.js on the backend of a project where the solution was to connect the medical sector with technology.
Since the first delivery, we already added more connectivity between our client and service users in a fully intuitive and effective app, in Android and iOS versions.
The decision to start working with Node.js was right, mainly because we have been delivering amazing results since the beginning.
We now develop countless solutions with the help of Node.js, especially those that depend on APIs. These are digital products for all devices and applications.
Through Node.js, we meet demanding requirements that involve communication with many frameworks, precisely because Node.js is friendly to many development fronts.
The name Node.js is not a mere coincidence
Briefly introducing the tool: Node.js is an RTE (Runtime Environment), where a program or application runs.
It is the hardware and software infrastructure that supports the execution of a specific code base in real time.
Node.js has this name precisely because it was created based on a specific language, JavaScript.
How so? Well, JavaScript was initially executed in frontend development to create interfaces that run on the user’s device and not on the servers. It is well known in the development community for being fast, dynamic, and accessible.
Then came the idea of creating a tool that would meet the demands of JavaScript from the server’s point of view. Thus, Node.js was born.
The advantages of using Node.js in development are so many here in ília that Ivan Hoinacki had the hard task of separating eight reasons for you to adopt the tool in your applications as well.
Why do we use Node.js at ília? We have eight reasons
1 – Performance and scalability
In Ivan’s words:
“Node.js is built on the Chrome V8 engine, a Google creation. It allows Node to provide a server-side runtime environment that compiles and executes JavaScript at lightning speed.”
From this, we can already understand that this is one of the main factors that helps our digital products to be exponential.
2 – Low learning curve
Node.js has the characteristic of one of the best RTEs today – having a low learning curve.
The web has become much more geared toward real-time interaction, according to surveys we conducted with our business partners’ users.
From a discovery process, we understand what the users of a given application need, and we can execute what they want and need.
With this statement, we already start to see a spoiler that, for us, a tool being easily executed is not enough, we also count on agile methodologies and people with determination and constant learning.
And this leads us to the third reason: Node.js performs very well with real-time applications.
3 – Performance with real-time applications
This means an architecture that serves both the client side and the server side, making the user experience more fluid and seamless.
As a result, it shows a great performance gain for digital products that require real-time communication.
4 – Node Package Manager support with advanced modules
The fourth reason is essential for developers, because Node.js has NPM (Node Package Manager) support with advanced modules.
This way, a Node.js developer can package their libraries and solutions into a module that anyone can install using Node’s official package manager, NPM.
We like Node.js in our projects precisely because of its speed and agility without losing quality, which aligns perfectly with our goals. The fifth reason says exactly that.
5 – A single useful code base
Using Node.js it is easy to send and synchronize data between server-side and client-side coding.
That way, because the same JavaScript language is used on both sides, the source code will be cleaner and more consistent. So you only need a single useful code base.
6 – Streaming data
Node.js comes to handle data, with this Input/Output process of information, it allows users to transcode media files simultaneously while they are being uploaded.
It takes less time compared to other data processing methods. This feature marries very well with one of our expertise, data.
With the use of Node.js we are able to go further in building microservices, Ivan’s seventh reason for using Node.
7 – Suitable for building microservices
Node.js is highly scalable and lightweight, so it is our favorite for microservice architectures.
In short, microservice architectures mean breaking up the application into isolated, independent services.
This makes it easier to update and maintain the architecture because its services are decoupled and it makes it possible to add to or patch the existing architecture without dealing with the other parts of the application.
Anyway, after many reasons to choose and use Node.js as a daily tool for creating digital products, we come to the last one (if it was up to the team there would be many more reasons).
8 – Strong corporate support
In 2015, several companies, including IBM, Microsoft, PayPal, Fidelity, SAP, organized a Node.js Foundation.
It is an independent community and aims to facilitate the development of their core tools.
The foundation was formed to accelerate the development of the tool, which has enabled wide adoption to Node.js, creating strong corporate support and amazing partnerships.
What industries can benefit from Node.js?
In the words of Leonardo Rocha, as a Node.js developer:
“Here at ília, by using Node.js in projects in the financial industry, mobility, insurance, medical, tourism, air travel and others, we have already created several projects with solutions based on our clients’ needs.”
In these projects, Node.js was essential for these solutions to be built for resilient and scalable applications.
With Node.js, we were able to meet the specific needs of each client, together with access controls, file management, notification management, automated task execution, and data intelligence. Impressive, isn’t it?
All this helps our team to build ever more amazing solutions for our customers. Want to know how? Get in touch with us!
