The widely used JavaScript run-time environment, Node.js is one of the most popular tools used by software developers across the globe — reports Statista.

Ever wondered why?

Well, its ability to deliver real-time applications and extensive scalability could be just one way of explaining it.

But there’s more.

Thus, if you’re considering Node.js for your next software development project, you’re heading in the right direction. Through this post, we will look at the top 5 reasons why you must use Node.js for your next software development project:

#1 – Deliver Exceptional Speed & Performance;

We’re living in an era where speed matters. And Node.js functions at a speed like no other runtime environment. Built on Google’s V8 JS engine, it can convert JavaScript into native machine code to function swiftly without a hitch.

Performance tests by Toptal revealed that Node.js performs comparatively better than Go, PHP, and Java. This is because it spares the challenges involved with forming individual threads and uses a single thread instead.

Node.js can help you build fast and reliable network applications that can handle parallel connections with increased throughput. It will not only enhance the overall performance but also make your application run at a lightning-like speed.

A real-life use case of Node.js would be Netflix — the second most popular video streaming service in the United States. After implementing Node.js, they reduced their app’s loading time by a staggering 70%.

#2 – Get Your Software Live in Minimal Time with JavaScript:

Node.js applications can be developed by using JavaScript — which is today’s one of the most popular coding languages. This means you don’t need to invest extra time getting comfortable with Node.js.

What’s more, Node.js comes with several additional tools to accelerate the development process. The dynamic NPM registry packs over 60000 modules to help you build robust solutions more efficiently and with minimum bugs.

Last but not least. Because Node.js is built on Chrome’s JavaScript runtime, all the applications developed using it, work in almost every web browser which supports JavaScript. That’s an added advantage.

As surprising it may sound, one of the largest online payment service providers, PayPal uses Node.js to simplify their development.

As a result, they were able to reduce the number of lines of code by 33%. Not only that. They also managed to double the number of requests per second while decreasing the average response time by 35%.

#3 – Seamlessly Scale Your Way Up as your Business Evolves

With Node.js, scaling up your web application will be swift and easy. This is because it breaks the app logic into small modules – making it easier for developers to add more modules to existing ones. Generally, Node applications support both horizontal and vertical scaling.

Because of its highly flexible nature, Node.js is widely used for developing microservices solutions. It works on different modules running in its process. Overall, it can help you scale your web application from ground-up.

One of the most popular social media networks, LinkedIn shifted its mobile app back-end from Ruby on Rails to Node.js in 2011. And since then, they haven’t turned back. As a result, they were able to reduce the number of servers from 30 to 3. What’s more, they doubled their traffic capacity and made their app 10x faster.

#4 – Easy to Adapt:

Node.js is certainly one of the most popular programming languages — mainly because it is easy to learn and has been derived from JavaScript. Meaning, if you are familiar with JavaScript, getting used to Node.js won’t be a humongous challenge.

Another significant advantage of using Node.js is the ease of development. You can use it on both the server and client sides. Ultimately, this eliminates the need to switch between different programming languages for back and front-end, respectively.

This is not all. Node.js also allows developers to share code among themselves. They can reuse codes from other developers to catalyze the development process and minimize efforts.

#5 – Get Help Easily from a Vibrant Community of Node.js Developers

Node.js has a strong and vibrant community of developers from across the globe who actively engage and participate in building extraordinary modules and tools to help others create better applications. They also actively contribute to the further enhancement of the technology — resolving bugs in a timely fashion and expanding the functionality of Node.js.

With such a massive ecosystem, Node.js developers are easily accessible and can help you build your next software development project at an affordable price.

#6 – Harness the Caching Mechanism to Deliver Resources Faster:

The run-time environment of the Node.js will allow you to cache single modules. This means, every time there’s a request for the first module, it will be cached in the application memory. Ultimately, you won’t have to rerun the codes as caching will allow the applications to load the resources at a lightning-like speed.

#7 – Effortlessly Develop Cross-Platform Desktop Apps

Node.js simplifies cross-platform development via frameworks like Electron or NW.js. These frameworks will allow you to use part of the code from your web app in its desktop versions of macOS, Windows, and Linux. Thus, you won’t have to invest any significant resources for making your web app compatible with other desktop platforms. Ultimately, this will minimize overall development time and cost.

#8 – Optimized for Mobile Right Out of the Box:

With over 3.5 billion smartphone users across the globe, you must ensure your web application is mobile-friendly if you’re seeking to deliver exceptional UX. And this is where Node.js stands out with its extraordinary adaptability to various device types — handling large traffic volumes of mobile traffic.

Above-mentioned are just a few reasons why you should consider Node.js for your next web development project. But that’s not all. For instance, its extensibility, advanced caching capabilities, and seamless JSON support are equally responsible for its rapid adoption.

Final Words:

Node.js is certainly one of the best programming languages for your next software development project. It is open-source, easy to learn, and highly scalable. Moreover, there’s a massive community of Node.js developers working relentlessly to make it even better.

If you have a compelling idea, I can help you turn it clickable reality by harnessing the superpowers of Node.js. Whether you’re seeking to consult an expert or outsource a million-dollar project, I can help. Give me a shout and let’s get started with your next big software development project.