The main reason of using the Node.js is its dual compatibility. Its uses the Java Script on the server and client side, meaning that developers only have to talk in a single language across all layers. Node.js worked as the server technology which used to build and run web applications, similar to what ASP.NET, Ruby on Rails or Spring Framework does. It uses JavaScript as its main language, a built-in lightweight web server and a whole bunch of plugins managed through the Node Package Manager (NPM) that allows you to mold your application to your needs, like adding MVC (Model-View-Controller) features, RESTful services, OAuth and SSL security and others.
But the question is why it is popular and acceptable as a wise thing to use by the developers. I’m giving 6 reasons behind its popularity and why should choose Node.js
- Language re-use Technologies like ASP.NET or Spring requires developers to know yet another language to write code on the server-side; either it is C#, VB.NET, Java or any other. On the other hand, Node.js uses JavaScript both on the server and client side, meaning that developers only have to talk in a single language across all layers.
- Easy developer transition JavaScript is a common ground between web developers, that’s a known fact. Most of us know JavaScript or have used it at some point in time; of course, because of this, transitioning a web developer from any other web technology to Node.js is easy as pie.
- It is lightweight Node.js uses an event-driven architecture which means everything done on it, every single call and operation, is a chain of asynchronous callbacks. This allows Node.js to run on a single thread. It is different to other traditional web technologies, which spawn a new thread per-client request. This is the very foundation of the non-blocking I/O nature you may have heard that is Node.js’ main feature.
- Built-in support for object databases It is really common for Node.js applications to use object databases such as MongoDB. MongoDB, contrary to traditional SQL databases, it uses a document-based model instead of a relational model; this means that instead of tables, it uses objects resembling JSON. Just the right answer for ORM fans.
- Wide support from IDEs and code editors JavaScript has been around for a long time, so code hinting and highlighting is featured by a bunch IDEs like Visual Studio and Eclipse; also editors like Notepad++ , emEditor and Sublime Text.
- Can be hosted almost anywhere Several web servers (no matter the hosting plan you opt for, either shared, dedicated or VPS) and cloud-based hosting providers support hosting of Node.js web applications out-of-the-box. To mention a couple: Google, Microsoft IIS, Heroku, Microsoft Azure, Amazon (AWS), and a bunch others.