The developers divide an app into two parts – frontend and backend. The user sees the frontend – design, buttons, images, videos, etc. But, it is the backend that makes these features functional and encourages two-way communication with the help of databases saved in the system.

And Node.js is part of the backend of an app. It is written in C, C++, and JavaScript.

Node.js

Node.js is a part of the backend, which was developed by Ryan Dahl in 2009. It is an open-source JavaScript environment for server-side development that has become a staple worldwide.

Node.Js Development companies explain that it runs with a single thread without using multiple lines for every new request. The standard library of Node.js comes with asynchronous commands built on Chrome’s Javascript V8 engine.

It is perfect for building real-time and I/O-intensive web applications such as video streaming sites, single-page applications, etc. Some bigshots of markets like Netflix, PayPal, LinkedIn, Uber, etc. use Node.Js.

Real-time Apps

As we talk about real-time apps, they function within a time frame that the user senses as immediate or current. Its latency (the delayed time) should be less than the defined value, usually measured in seconds and not even minutes.

There are three types of real-time apps:

The USP of a real-time app is that it will complete the task in a limited time. Below are the categories in which real-time apps are divided. The criteria are set based on the failure of the task being carried out on time and its severity.

A.     Hard Real-Time Apps

The Hard Real-Time App is, in fact, called hard because if it fails to serve its purpose, the whole system can come crashing down. For example, safety systems attached to CCTV cameras are being monitored by real-time apps. If it fails to alarm the cops or fire department about the accident, then the whole building can come crashing down.

B.     Soft Real-Time Apps

Contradictory to Hard Real-Time Apps, Soft Real-Time Apps have a time window to meet the deadline as long as results are desired. Such that the completed task has a value up until the deadline, and its value decreases after that—for example, a weather forecasting app. It works for the users as long as the weather is close enough to what it has forecasted.

C.     Firm Real-Time Apps

With firm real-time apps, the deadline missed is manageable but drastically affects the results’ quality. For example, if a manufacturing unit with robots as workers; are assembling the parts improperly because of a technical glitch. However, if it is seen over to by the Quality Control Department, the mistake can be rectified.

Benefits of using Node.js for Real-Time Applications:

Here is why using Node.js to create real-time apps is beneficial:

1.      Cross Platform Compatibility

The top Node.js developing companies in Bangladesh have confirmed that Node.js allows developers to write the app code once and use it across all operating systems like Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Because the base of this code is Java, it is not tied to a particular operating system.

While creating real-time apps, the fact that they can use the same codebase across all platforms is a significant advantage. They need not maintain a separate code base for every OS, which is time and effort-saving.

2.      Efficiency of Developer

As mentioned in the above point, Node.js allows the developer to maintain the same codebase across all platforms, and they need not learn too many languages, lowering the learning curve. Node.js promotes code reusability, enhancing the developer’s productivity and faster real-time app development.

Also, while creating real-time apps, the developers save time as data structures and logic defined on the server can be reused for client-side updates. Similarly, the utility functions, validation codes, etc., can be reused by the developers as well.

3.      Scalability

Node.js is said to be non-blocking and asynchronous, which means it is scalable. Real-time apps require maintaining a high user base, and Node.js can deliver data on time.

Moreover, using JavaScript on both the frontend and backend of the apps allows faster server-side execution without any context switching. And because of these capabilities, Node.js is well-suited for performance-oriented real-time applications.

4.      Single Language

Node.js uses a single language to write codes for all the platforms. Developers write Javascript code for the client and server side, making it easier for data to move between the two with optimal synchronization. When developers do not have to write separate codes for every platform, they can take time to be creative and functional with the codes.

5.      Cost Effective

Writing and maintaining single-language code saves time, which in turn helps developers create real-time apps faster with Node.js. It leads to faster app launch. Most startups prefer Node.js for the same reason that they need not invest too much in multiple developers and launch the app faster.

6.      Web Socket Support

Real-time Apps require two-way communication because they thrive on that—for example – Video Game Apps. WebSocket protocol must be followed because it enables communication between clients and servers. It allows full-fledged communication channels to be established between Transmission Control Protocols.

Node.js has exceptional built-in support for WebSocket connections, which smoothens and simplifies real-time integrations. The servers, which are web socket integrated, push data to the clients without frequent HTTP polling intervention. It will help achieve the data updates without refreshing the page every 10 seconds.

For video streaming apps or, chatting apps, or even gaming apps, WebSocket plays a vital role in delivering real-time experiences; otherwise, users will lose interest quickly. Node.js makes implementing WebSockets and associating handlers straightforward and efficient.

Examples of Node.Js Apps:

Below mentioned are a few examples of real-time apps built with Node.js and why:

●       PayPal – a financial transaction app

Paypal is one of the biggest fintech apps with over 100 currencies and over 300 million active users. With the help of Node.js, they have created an app two times faster with fewer developers, fewer codes, and fewer files. It is one such real-time app that requires a quick response for the transaction to go smoothly.

●       LinkedIn – a business social networking

LinkedIn is a business social networking app with over 700 million active users. Previously, this app was created with Ruby on Rails, but after changing it to Node.js, it runs 20X faster with 10% resources. LinkedIn is a classic example of how Node.js is perfect for creating real-time apps.

Conclusion

From the above article, it can be concluded that Node.js is perfect for creating real-time apps. The reason behind it is scalability, robust data handling, single code, and so on and so forth. Whether creating a video streaming app or booking a taxi app, the Node.js app works well with everything.