Node.js, the runtime environment for JavaScript, thanks to its resources, is priceless to web app development. While some predict its imminent doom, Node persistently stands its ground as one of the most popular technologies in web application development. How come?
The JS runtime environment executes the “JavaScript everywhere” paradigm, enabling unifying development of web apps using only one programming language, instead of writing separately the client- and the server-side. Node.js allows two-way connectivity between the client- and the server-side, walking away from the request-response paradigm, leading to more agile development. Node.js brought a breath of fresh air to web application development, solving previous issues in the configuration of web applications settings. The JavaScript-based environment became a go-to solution for building demanding web applications, including rapidly scaling projects and high-traffic websites.
Following the “JavaScript everywhere” paradigm enabled significant improvements in app performance robustness and performance, proven by numerous success stories of global companies incorporating Node.js in their digital products and services. Sure, there are still some challenges to overcome, and the environment is not a panacea to all troubles in web app development, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Node.js is lightweight, allocating resources on the app server when needed, instead of burdening it in advance, and being asynchronous, it doesn’t block the server communication while waiting for a response, allowing better power and memory usage, resulting in greater flexibility.
In spite of the flow of time, Node.js continues to stand the competition among other technologies in web application development, with no risk of becoming obsolete any time soon. As long as real-time, cross-platform applications will be in demand, so will be Node.js.
“Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.”
(Martin Fowler)
Web app development calls not just for writing code, but also ensuring good practices for its better understanding, safety, and maintenance. The guidelines standardize the most effective ways to building successful applications, combining methodologies, processes, and techniques.
Although approaches may differ among programmers and change over time, some of the best practices in web application development cover:
- Writing clean code
- Avoiding repeatable code
- Separating each stage of software development
- Detaching the services your application runs
- Maintaining security
- Ensuring good user experience and multi-device compatibility