What is the most common programming language? You might answer JavaScript, and that is not entirely wrong. But since the rise of Node.js, many large companies have gradually moved to it. What exactly is Node.js, and why has it encouraged so many enterprises to migrate?
What Is Node.js?
Node.js is a JavaScript server environment that allows code to run outside the browser. It is suitable for many types of websites and applications, including streaming media, games, time trackers, and social media platforms. It provides scalable and fast solutions for real-time applications.
Why Is Node.js So Popular?
According to Stack Overflow, Node.js has been a leading technology in the development field, with a strong share of usage. What makes it so popular?
Node.js reports have shown that the technology can have a meaningful business impact. It can improve developer productivity, application performance, and customer satisfaction. These figures have continued to grow over time, and many backend and full-stack developers have adopted the Node.js framework.
First, this JavaScript environment is easy to use and can execute code on the server side. Second, it offers strong scalability and a faster development cycle.
Which Companies Use Node.js?
Because of these advantages, many companies have migrated from traditional JavaScript-based approaches to Node.js. These companies include NASA, Uber, Twitter, Netflix, and others. What made them move to Node.js, and what changed after adoption?
Case 1: Netflix
Netflix is one of the largest streaming content and video-on-demand providers, serving tens of millions of users worldwide. Its move toward Node.js began in 2015, when the backend technology it was using could no longer keep pace with a rapidly growing user base.
Backend development could not keep up with frontend requirements, which caused longer loading times. Custom UI design was also difficult to achieve, leading to weaker customer experience. The development and deployment process gradually became less efficient.
After adopting Node.js, startup time was greatly reduced. Loading the Netflix interface no longer took around ten seconds; it could be completed in about one second. Node.js also made it easier to break large amounts of information into detailed interfaces. Because it is built on a JavaScript environment, the transition between backend and frontend became much faster.
Case 2: NASA
After an incident that nearly caused serious consequences, NASA decided to move to Node.js. The issue was related to inefficient data storage across multiple locations, which led to long access times.
NASA developers found that moving data to a cloud database was important for shortening access time. Most NASA applications were also built with JavaScript, which made Node.js a practical fit.
After adopting Node.js, access speed improved significantly, allowing users to retrieve information in seconds instead of hours. NASA successfully migrated old databases to the cloud and made them accessible through APIs. Node.js reduced the database workflow from 28 steps to only 7, making scientific research easier.
Node.js simplified previous processes, saved time, and created a better user experience. If you want to see more enterprise examples, stay tuned for the next technine article.
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