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Node.js is a very powerful JavaScript-based platform for developing online chat apps, streaming websites, one-page applications, and some other intensive websites and web applications. It is usable by both big, established companies and start-ups. Node.js is open-source, free, and utilized by thousands of developers worldwide. It has many advantages and makes it a better choice than other server platforms such as Java or PHP. Here are the basics of node.js that every great developer should know.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source platform used to develop web applications on the server. The code for Node.js applications is written in JavaScript and can run on various operating systems. Node.js operates on an event-based architecture and a seamless input/output API designed for application performance and real-time web application scalability. For a long time, the NodeJS framework available for web development has its basis on a stateless model. With a stateless model, data is generated in a session will not be saved for use in the next session with the particular user.

Features of Node.js

Asynchronous and event-oriented – APIs present in the Node.js library is asynchronous (i.e., Non-blocking). This basically means that a Node.js-based server will never be on a data recovery API. The server advances to the following API after the call, and the Node.js event notification mechanism helps the server to get a response from the former API call.

• Very fast: The Node.js library is based on Google Chrome's JavaScript V8 engine and is quicker in executing code.
• High scalability: Node.js is highly scalable, as an event mechanism helps the server to react perfectly.
• Zero buffering: Node.js reduces the entire processing time when sending audio and video files. A node.js application never does data buffering.
• Open Source: Node.js has an open-source community that has created many great modules to add extra functionality to Node.js applications.

Local Environment Setup

If you want to set up your environment for Node.js, you will need two software programs on your computer: (a) a text editor and (b) Node.js binaries.

Text Editor

This will be used to write your codes. Examples of some editors include Windows Notepad, Edit Ed command, Letter, Epsilon, EMACS, and Vim. The name and version of the text editor can be different depending on the operating system. For example, you can use Notepad on Windows, and you can use vim or Vi on Windows and Linux or UNIX. The file created with the editor is known as a source file, which contains the source code of the program. The source files of Node.js programs are usually named with a ".js" extension. Prior to programming, ensure you have a text editor and you are experienced enough to write a computer program, save it, and run it when you are done.

Node.js Console - REPL

Node.js features a virtual REPL environment (also known as Node Shell). REPL stands for Read-Eval-Print-Loop. This is a fast and simple way to test Node.js or JavaScript code. To start the REPL (Node Shell), open a Command Prompt (on Windows) or Terminal (on Mac or UNIX / Linux) and enter the node.

NodeJS buffer

Buffer class is a global class that can be accessed in an application without importing the buffer module. Pure JavaScript is compatible with Unicode, however, not binary data. When using TCP streams or file systems, octet streams must be processed. This node offers a buffer class, which provides an example for storing raw data, similar to an integer set, but equal to the original memory allocation outsideV8 heap. The buffer class belongs to the global class and can be accessed in an application without the need to import the buffer module.

NodeJS modules

The module in the js node is a way of compiling the code in a distinct logical unit. There are a lot of readable modules on the market that can be used on js nodes.

• Express framework – This NodeJS web application framework is small and at the same time flexible, and it offers powerful functions for web and mobile apps.
• Socket.io – Socket.IO allows real-time communication based on events. This module is suitable for creating chat-based applications.
• Jade – Jade is a powerful template engine implemented for nodes and browsers using JavaScript.
• MongoDB – MongoDB Node.js driver is the node.js driver with official support for MongoDB.
• Restify – Restify is a lightweight structure, same as the Express to create REST APIs.
• Bluebird - Bluebird is a full-fledged engagement library with attention on innovative functions and performance.

Node.js Streams

Streams allow you to easily read data from the source and write data. There are four types of streams in Node.js:

• Readable: This stream is used for reading.
• Writable: Unlike the readable, this is useful for write operations.
• Duplex: This is multifunctional as it is used for reading and writes operations.
• Transform: This is also a duplex stream where the output computation is based on the input.

Node.js Errors

Typically, there are four types of errors in the Node.js applications:

• Standard JavaScript errors
• System errors
• User-specified errors
• Assertion errors

NodeJS Callback

Callback is an asynchronous equivalent for a function. A callback function is called at the completion of a given task. Node makes heavy use of callbacks. All the APIs of Node are written in such a way that they support callbacks.

Node.js EventEmitter

Node.js will enable you to easily create and edit custom events with the event module. The EventEmitter class event module is one that you can use to create and handle custom events. Part of the Event module is the EventEmitter, and it’s usable for raising and handling a custom event.

General EventsEmitters patterns

There are two general patterns that can be used to motivate and connect an event using the EventEmitter class in Node.js.

• Return EventEmitter from a function
• Extend the EventEmitter class

NPM (Node Package Manager)

Npm (Node Package Manager) is the most essential tool in Node applications. It is usable for node and JavaScript packages management and also useful in running tests and tools during development. Npm is installed with Node.js. It comprises a program, also known as npm, and a package management registry. Npm utilizes a definition file known as "package.json" for package dependencies management. It lists the entire dependencies of a package (name, version, and description, initial file to make, production dependencies, and development dependencies), compatible node version, and so on. It has everything you need from npm to make your app work.

What Skills Does A Quality Node.js Programmer Have?

There are many skills to consider when hiring a senior node.js programmer, below is a partial list of things you should look for while considering our nodeJS developers.

Comprehensive understanding of javascript. Node.js is greatly helped by javascript to handle event loop mechanisms. When developing unique applications, knowing javascript is key.

Understanding databases. Understanding databases such as mysql, mongodb, oracle, and couchDB is key to moving forward with an experienced node.js developer. Node.js developers can use any database, but they should have extensive knowledge of at least one.

Great communication skills. The ideal node.js developer needs to work with multiple departments and be able to explain in simple terms what they are doing in regards to code building.

Understanding Docker. Docker is a containerization platform which packages an application and dependencies together. Docker greatly helps node.js developers create, execute, and deploy applications.