Node.js is an open-source and cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that is built on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. Developed in 2009, Node.js has come a long way to become the de facto tool for building server-side and network applications. Companies that develop online games, social media platforms, video conferencing platforms, or any real-time application find Node.js very useful. Even for MEAN stack development, Node.js (N in MEAN) is an important software component.
JavaScript led to the development of interactive web pages and developers working behind major browsers made efforts to provide better support for it. Luckily, Node.Js was introduced at the right time and became one of the most widely used JavaScript tools. It introduced innovative approaches for developers regarding JavaScript server-side development. GoDaddy, PayPal, Microsoft, Netflix, Walmart, LinkedIn, and IBM are some of the top companies that use Node.js.
Let us know what are the benefits of learning Node.js and why achieving a Nodejs certification should be your next career goal.
Node.js Features
Some of the top features that make Node.js a preferable choice of developers are:
- As it is built on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, the library of Node.js is extremely fast for executing codes.
- It has asynchronous event-driven Input/Output which means when developers send any request involving Input/Output operation to Node, it will execute that request in the background and continue working on other requests.
- Node.js reduces the processing time drastically when uploading audio or video files. Node.js applications output data in chunks without buffering it.
- As Node.js library uses JavaScript, development in Node.js becomes easier for developers; they don’t need to learn a whole new language.
- When compared to traditional servers like Apache HTTP server, Node.js is highly scalable as it responds to requests in a non-blocking way.
Apart from these features, the Node.js framework is supported by an active community that works on providing key updates to the framework keeping pace with the latest trends in web development.
Why Learn Node.js
You need reasons to learn something new, especially in the dynamic field of Information technology where any tool, framework, or language can be ousted by innovative ones. So, here we have listed some of the compelling reasons to learn Node.js.
Node.js developers are in demand
As LinkedIn points out, among the top ten most in-demand jobs, the number of job opportunities for Node.js developers alone has increased by a whopping 2500%. Industry reports also reveal that there is a 20% growth in demand for full-stack developers and hands-on experience in Node.js is quite beneficial for them. The same holds true for MEAN stack developers.
Requires less effort to learn
Developers are more often comfortable using JavaScript, even if they haven’t started learning Node.js. As Node.js is written in JavaScript, they won’t find it difficult to learn. Its offbeat driven design and utilization of the V8 engine help developers create best-in-class applications without using complex codes.
Most popularly used framework
According to Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2019, Node.js is the most commonly used framework among around 50 percent of the developers. It is also one of the most loved frameworks among 72 percent of surveyed developers. And this not only holds true for the year 2019 but has constantly been in the top ranks for the past few years.
Better salary
Indeed, a popular job portal, reports the average annual salary of javaScript developers in the US to be $118,004. It further points out that Node.js is an important skill that can help these developers earn around 10 percent more than the national average salary. Other important skills include test automation, React.js, and Redux. The trend is similar for other countries as well.
Node.js is here to stay
We cannot deny that developers have a lot of options to choose from when thinking of gaining skills in web development. For Node.js, you can be sure that the framework is robust and has a bright future. A basic reason is Node.js is the only tool that brings JavaScript to the server. Moreover, Google is betting heavily on the V8 engine and it would only progress in the time to come.
Time to Master Node.js
You won’t regret learning Node.js if you wish to become a seasoned web developer. If you work in the field of developing real-time, event-based, Input/Output heavy, or data-driven applications, then Node.js is the most suitable option you’ll get. As Node.js comes loaded with a range of features, it is advised to take up a Node.js training course and learn the concepts step-by-step. By enrolling in an online course, you can follow the learning path that is recommended by subject matter experts. Web development is evolving with more businesses feeling the need to hire professionals who could handle full-stack development. And learning Node.js fits well in your list of required skills.