The Benefits of Node.js for Building Real-Time Applications

There is massive scope for real-time applications in today's day and age when digitization is the way forward. With these kinds of applications, users can interact quickly and effectively, mobile, web, or desktop. Furthermore, real-time applications can perform many functions simultaneously, and that's why the user feels that there is a contact connection between them and the user interface. Due to this reason, real-time apps are in huge demand.

Now, if you act from the developer's perspective, for building a real-time application, you will require a platform, language, or framework that can handle plenty of events simultaneously. That's where Node.js fits in nicely. It is an open-source and cross-platform runtime environment that is asynchronous. Therefore, it is highly suitable for I/O-based and event-based applications. That's the reason why Node.js has become the first-hand choice for developing real-time apps.

Now, as far as popularity goes, Node.js is the fifth most used programming language globally as of 2021. However, the question is, why are people using Node.js for real-time application development? OR what benefits does Node.js bring to the table in the case of real-time applications? Let's try to answer these questions as we focus on the various advantages of using Node.js for building real-time applications. So, let's start the show right now.!

Benefits of using Node.js for real-time applications

1. Budget-friendliness

There's a myth in the software development industry that developing a real-time application is costly. However, if you opt for Node.js to build real-time applications, you can significantly reduce costs. The main reason behind this is the cross-platform and open-source nature of Node.js. Furthermore, it has all the features to build a feature-rich and powerful real-time application. Lastly, whether you're a startup, small business, mid-level company, or enterprise-level firm, Node.js is suitable for all due to its less development time.

2. Event-driven server

As you know, real-time applications need to deal with many people simultaneously. That's where Node.js' event-driven and asynchronous nature of Node.js comes into the picture. Node.js allows developers to manage simultaneous requests with the utmost ease with an event-driven server due to the non-blocking functioning. Furthermore, the transmission of data and data synchronization is easy to work for developers. Lastly, the data delivery to the end-user will also be faster and smoother. That's why Node.js is in massive demand nowadays.

3. Reusability of components

One of the most significant benefits of opting for Node.js for real-time apps is that it allows you to reuse the components. Furthermore, as a developer, if you get stuck somewhere during the development, you can assist NPM (Node Package Manager). Besides this, Node.js also allows developers to share and use all the Node components among the developer’s community. Due to these benefits, you can uplift the development speed and reduce the time to market, giving you a competitive edge over the others, especially if you’re someone from the startups.

4. SEO-friendly

In this day and age of digitalization, there is no need to highlight the importance of having a digital presence in your business. For that purpose, the role of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is paramount. Now, if you choose Node.js for building your real-time application, you will get benefits related to SEO as Node.js enables backend rendering of the application. Therefore, it will help you to improve the SEO side of things. Another aspect of Node.js is its easy-to-use nature which also is an advantage from an SEO perspective.

5. Modular approach

Now, as a developer, when you’re looking to finalize any language or framework for building real-time applications, you will select the one where less development effort is required. The reason behind that is the need for rapid development. That’s where Node.js fits in well, as it follows a modular approach. So, developers can divide the various modules and work separately on one particular module. Furthermore, it allows you to reduce development complexity and make it easy for developers to collaborate on the same project.

6. Gentle learning curve

As far as the learning curve goes, Node.js is easy for developers to use, learn, and understand. It doesn’t require you to have sound technical knowledge. The developers who have an excellent basic understanding of JavaScript can work with Node.js. It is one of the core reasons why Node.js has made a name in the developer community. In addition to all that, Node.js also provides long-term support to developers. When the development scenario changes rapidly, developers will acknowledge the language or framework that does this work.

These are some of the core benefits you would get if you opt for Node.js to build real-time applications. Now, if you want to make a real-time application for your business, you need to hire Node.js developers. But, before making that call, you need to have an idea of the cost to hire Node.js developers. It will help you stay proactive during budget planning.

Wrapping up things

Node.js is one of the best programming languages used worldwide by programmers for building real-time applications. This blog provides you with a list of benefits that Node.js brings to the table to build real-time applications. What are your thoughts on this article? Is there anything you would like to add up? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.