What do we do with Node.js?
Why is Node.js reputed to be so fast? Its power lies in two factors:
- Google V8 engine (Google Chrome runtime)
- Its non-blocking system
The main goal of Node.js is to reduce the execution time of scripts.
The technology works under the principle of separation: we use the Thread Pool library, which allows for the management of the loop of events. The platform has a standard API. The code will communicate with this API, and it will also link with the C or C ++ libraries to communicate with the system.
Node.js also has tools related to cryptography.
With Node.js, we realize the following types of applications:
- A chat server
- A document upload system
- An article reading widget
- And more.
In general, we develop an application that must be able to work well with many queries launched simultaneously.
The V8 engine
The non-blocking model of Node.js
What is the difference between a blocking model and a non-blocking model?
With this model, the program can start performing other actions only from the moment the image is displayed.
Now let's see how a non-blocking model works with Node.js.
With this model, the program starts executing other actions as soon as event 3 "Download image" is finished. It will not wait for the "View Image" event to finish executing other actions.
This is the way Node.js works. As soon as the event "Image downloaded" appears, a function named the callback function is called and performs actions (here, the callback function will display the image).
Utilize this model in a case with a large volume of events to execute, and the saving time is considerable!
In web applications, we often have long and laborious operations to perform, such as database calls or web service calls. With Node.js, the call to a web service can be long, but you can perform other actions for the duration of the call!
As we’ve already seen, the main strength of Node.js is to be able to execute several treatments simultaneously. It should also be noted that programs are compiled before execution, which significantly improves the performance of the software.
What are the advantages of Node.js?
Node.js runs on Linux, Mac and Windows.
The strength of the unique language
To work on all systems: Libraries can be shared on both the server side and the client side (browser).
Package Manager: npm package
A Significant community
Node.js brought together by a strong community of passionate developers. The are many and varied media for continuous Node.Js training, including:
- Online course
Node.js is intended for use by scalable web applications. The popularity of this platform is growing, with the giants of the web having already experienced it: Netflix, Trello, PayPal, Walmart, Microsoft, Uber, LinkedIn, Ebay, Groupon or NASA.
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