American Software Engineer Ryan Dahl, the original author of Node JS released its initial version on the 27th of May 20. Written in C, C++, and JavaScript; Node.js is a multiple computing platform, open-source javascript that runs on Google-developed JavaScript engine V8. Node.js is essentially useful to script programs using single-line commands. With the initiative to develop web applications using one language (precisely Javascript), Node JS allows developers to script both the front end and back end of an application. This reduces the stress of both clients and servers without involving multiple languages for multiple aspects of the application.
Some of the notable, bigger market players that use NodeJS to build their softwares are AWS, Netflix, LinkedIn, Walmart and GoDaddy.
Why NodeJS?
- Cost-Effective
When it comes to app development a lot goes both in the front end and the back end, any programming language except for Node JS would not allow you to code both front and back ends with the same language. Unlike in the case of Node JS, where you can use the same programming language to program both the front and back end of the application to save both time, resource, and cost in return. - Versatility
With so many applications in town developed using multiple languages implementing multiple themes and templates, uniqueness is hard to find over a period of time. With Node JS the case is different, with its huge management library to choose from there are a plethora of options to add to your project, depending on the pulse of both the targetted customer and the current market demand.
- Efficiency
Let it be handling the cache data or systematic piling of multiple requests to be executed one after the other, nodeJS has been proven to be amazingly efficient. Node JS can efficiently and effectively organize all the new add requests that keep flowing in, these requests are stacked one after the other in order to execute them in the order.
Uses of NodeJS-
- Service Providing Applications
Service providing applications like document sharing applications, stock exchange applications, shopping applications, and many other similar applications where elements like directing to social media handles and chat bots (in case of messaging applications and customer support of major applications), majorly the features that give real-time experience can be programmed with the help of Node JS, given the fact that it fits in all these requirements and many more additional features. - Internet of Things (IoT)
With budding tech startups and tech entrepreneurs, Node JS has become their favorite go-to. New ideas, new products, and new services in the market both public and private aim to build their own IoT systems; thanks to Node JS, it’s efficient less space consumption and limited resource need makes it a favorite best to operate on. You can view more to understand its architecture better. - Application Programming Interface (API)
Let these be streaming API’s (which is one of its native features, hence making it one of the major sources of building streaming apps) or any other ready to use API’s that help provide quick and small services (SMS, Email, etc.,) are great to create with the help of Node.JS. Taking this feature in consideration, one of the major transaction applications PayPal has opted for Node.JS to build their API’s at a very early stage when Node.JS just launched.
Timestamps-
In the past 12 years, since the first time Node JS was released in the market it has seen a rapid evolution. Every 6 months once a new module of Node JS is released. These versions are named after numbers, the ones with even numbers are released in the month of April and the ones with odd numbers are released in the month of October. Every new module of Node.js lasts 30 months, 18 months of active phase followed by 12 months of maintenance, and finally, decline. The active versions are always backed with changes and updated every few weeks.
- Old Versions of Node.js not active
- js 0.10.x – Release 2013 – Decline 2016
- js 0.12.x – Release 2015 – Decline 2016
- js 4.x – Release 2015 – Decline 2018 (Code name : Argon)
- js 5.x – Release 2015 – Decline 2016
- js 6.x – Release 2016 – Decline 2019 (Code name : Boron)
- js 7.x – Release 2016 – Decline 2017
- js 8.x – Release 2017 – Decline 2019 (Code name : Carbon)
- js 9.x – Release 2017 – Decline 2018
- js 10.x – Release 2018 – Decline 2021 (Code name : Dubnium)
- js 11.x – Release 2018 – Decline 2019
- js 13.x – Release 2019 – Decline 2020
- js 15.x – Release 2020 – Decline 2021
- Old Versions of Node.js still under maintenance or active
- js 12.x – Release 2019 – Decline 2022 (Code name : Erbium)
- js 14.x – Release 2020 – Decline 2023 (Code name : Fermium)
- js 16.x – Release 2021 – Decline 2024 (Code name : Gallium)
- Current Version
- js 17.x – Release 2021 – Decline 2022
- Future Version
- js 18.x – Release 2022 – Decline 2025 (This is a planned module of Node.JS)
In a nut shell, Node.JS has simplified both mobile and web application development for all companies and individuals dealing with softwares. With its active upgradations and evolutions according to the client and market requirement, node.js is always been a hot shot favorite to many developers across the Globe. If you are someone who’s application requirements keep changing very frequently and are on a budget, Node.JS is what you are looking for.