Node.js Courses

As Node.js helps create scalable tools and networks, it seems appealing to enterprise owners. It is a high-performance, super-fast, and lightweight web development framework that lets developers perform asynchronous programming. With this, developers are free to execute numerous actions simultaneously, a perk of being a serverless platform.

Node.js is known for its better scalability, optimized costs, and enhanced performance. 

A team of web development experts can save a lot of time using ready-to-run and reusable node module components. However, it may not be the most sought-after platform or framework for all, but it has left behind other frameworks in terms of web traffic (for which everyone website owner cares). According to web technology survey reports, high-traffic websites use Node.js rather than other web development platforms such as Apache, Nginx, Microsoft IIS, Cloudflare server, and Lightspeed.

Node.js is one of the most suitable platforms for web development due to its flexibility and versatility. Further, it comes with different uses that most platforms do not offer.

Here are some of its popular uses.

• Browser Games- Browser games are one of the most exciting applications or outcomes of the real-time web. With these, players don't need to use complex programs such as Shockwave applet, JAVA, or Flash to play games. The games work efficiently in their browsers. Combining Node.js with HTML5 and Socket.io can create more impressive and rich browser games. Multiplayer games are also made using the same technology. 
• Chat Rooms- These days, people use chatting platforms or social media to connect with friends or family. Keeping this in mind, developers use Node.js to create well-working chat rooms. In online games, independent chat rooms double the fun.
• Data Collection- Node.js can help collect large amounts of data efficiently. Massive information forms a bottleneck in a database as it is a blocked operation. Node, on the contrary, gets this data and sends it in form pieces to the backend. It ensures that data transfer takes place without damaging the system. 
• MEAN Stack- The MEAN Stack is developed using JavaScript; hence worth some space here. MEAN Stack makes web development simple for a developer and also easy on the device. It can be combined with other modules too. For instance, Mongoose integrated with Node.js results in MongoDB. Interestingly, the letter N in the MEAN stands for Node.js. 

Streaming- Many audio or video content files are uploaded on streaming platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. But they need to be processed to be available for viewers. The processing starts when it has been uploaded on the web. However, using Node.js, they can be processed and uploaded simultaneously. This publishes content fast and saves time.

As we know, Node.js is an open-source backend JavaScript environment where the JavaScript (JS) works on the server-side of the application. Because of this, JavaScript is used on both the Backend and Frontend.

Node.js applies to the chrome v8 engine, which converts JavaScript code into machine code.

Node.js working- Node uses the concept of threads while operating requests. It receives requests from the client-side and delivers the response. During this process, it handles the requests using a single thread. It works parallel and along the server to provide information to the clients. Node.js is considered a single-threaded event loop language as it can manage repetitive requests using a single thread without blocking it for a single request.

Node.js Working depends on two concepts:

Non-blocking I/O – This concept generally shows the working of Node.js with several requests without blocking one request thread. The I/O system communicates with external systems like databases and files. Node is not meant for video processing or calculations as a single thread cannot handle the work of the CPU.

Asynchronous – This concept means executing a call-back function. Node.js runs a call-back function when it receives responses from other databases or servers. These functions are executed when the work is completed. The reason is that Node.js uses an event-based architecture. A single thread sends a request to other systems, resolves it, and is available to take additional requests.

JavaScript is considered one of the widely used and most popular client-side programming languages. Because of the introduction of Node.js in web development, JavaScript can be used from the server-side. It is a JavaScript run-time environment where the execution of JavaScript code from the server-side takes place. Further, it can operate on a single-threaded event loop to make all the executions non-blocking.

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of Node.js.

Advantages of Node.js

• Easy scalability – With the help of Node.js, developers can quickly scale the applications in both horizontal and vertical directions. Horizontally, additional nodes can be added to the existing system.  Extra resources to single nodes can be added in the vertical scaling. Hence, it is highly scalable.
• Single programming language – Using Node.js, developers can write server-side applications in JavaScript. They can write front-end and back-end web applications. Hence, you don't need for another server-side programming language.
• Handles requests simultaneously – Node.js provides the option of non-blocking I/O systems. It can process several requests simultaneously. These requests are handled efficiently and executed systematically and quickly.

Disadvantages of Node.js

• Instability of API – Application Programming Interface (API) is not stable and keeps on changing at frequent intervals. Due to this, developers have to make changes in their coding to match the compatibility.
• Absence of a robust library support system – Due to the lack of a well-equipped library system in JavaScript, users must use the common library to execute tasks.

Lack of performance due to heavy computing tasks – When Node.js receives a CPU-driven task, it consumes all its CPU strength to complete that task. This leads to the deceleration of the event loop and hindrance in the application's interface.

Node.js is used for developing several types of applications. Here are some of the most popular application types built with it. 

1. IoT (Internet of Things)- It's a network of devices such as beacons, sensors, actuators, and other electronic components embedded in the gadget which help send and exchange data. Typically, IoT systems transfer data from devices to the server to applications that process and display it to the users.

IoT contains millions of such devices, which creates a challenge to handle multiple requests and stream data between the devices. Therefore, a platform like Node.js can help manage IoT systems. It works as a backend for these systems and processes several events and requests released by thousands of devices registered on the network. 

Requests in bulk do not damage the Node.js web servers due to their event-based architecture and asynchronous processings suitable for heavy operations on the network. 

2. Single-page Complex Applications- Single-page applications are popular in the world of web development that allows a developer to fit the application on a single page giving a user experience similar to that of a desktop app. All client-side scripts are written on a single HTML page that works as a principal application point.

Further, AJAX requests in the background ensure easy updates of applications without requiring a full page reload. Node.js is a perfect fit for single-page applications due to its efficiency in maintaining asynchronous calls and heavy I/O workload features. 

The event loop of Node.js allows delaying several client requests that ensure easy and smooth transitions between data updates and views. It also works well with data-driven single-page applications, where a server behaves like a backend that transfers data to the client, and the client does the HTML rendering. 

3. Real-time Collaboration Applications and Tools- These applications provide multiple varieties of software solutions for project management, audio and video conferencing, co-browsing, collaborative editing of documents, and co-browsing. Node.js event-driven architecture is suitable for such apps, as many I/O requests and events co-occur. 

Its Event API and WebSockets ensure that servers do not hang due to heavy I/O operations and that server-side events and data are sent back to the client quickly. Further, Node.js instantly optimizes the collaboration environment so all the users can get a single and coherent application representation.  

Developers can install Node.js in multiple ways on their computers. However, the approach relies on the system's existing development environment. They can download it through a source code copy and combine it with the application. 

Here are the steps to install Node on Windows 10. 

1. Download the Node MSI installer- The first step is to download the MSI installer. Check out Node.js official website and install the file based on the current system environment (64-bit or 32-bit). 

2. Run the Node.js installer- For this, follow the steps given. 

• Double-click on the installer, and the setup wizard will open. 
• Select next, and the End User License Agreement will open. 
• Set the folder's destination and click next. 
• A custom setup window will open. Click next.

3. Verify the installation 

Use the command-C:\Users\Admin> node -v to verify the installation. 

4. Update local npm version

Use the command- npm install npm –global // Updates the ‘CLI’ client to update the npm version.

For developers who are well-versed with JavaScript, the syntax is simple. Nonetheless, an editor is used to write code. To begin with, open an editor, make a file with a .js extension and save it. Then write a code and give a value to it. 

Node.js has single-line comments that use double slash icons, and multi-line comments use single slash with star icons. 

For example:

1) var today=new Date();

console.log(today.getDate());

console.log(today.getDay());

console.log(today.getFullYear());

console.log(today.getHours());

console.log(today.getMinutes());

console.log(today.getSeconds());

2) var st1 ="Hello,";

var st2="How are you doing?";

console.log(st1 + st2);

Here are some of its significant features:

• Uses JavaScript – Node.js uses JavaScript programming language, an essential aspect of Node from the engineer's perspective.  Many developers are already familiar with JavaScript; therefore, they will find it easier to work with.
• Improved Data Streaming – Node.js helps in processing data at a faster rate. It uploads and processes a file simultaneously, thereby saving a lot of time. Thus, it improves the speed of data and video streaming.
• Single-threaded – Node has a single-threaded architecture with event looping. Because of this, it is scalable. It uses a single-threaded program that can handle a large number of requests

The event loop is one of the essential aspects of Node.js. It explains how Node can be asynchronous and have non-blocking I/O. The event loop is an endless loop that takes tasks, executes them, and waits until the next task is assigned. The jobs are executed from the event queue when the call stack is empty. It allows the developers to use promises and callbacks.

A module in Node.js is a function that may be simple or complex and organized in one or more JavaScript files used in a Node application. Each module has a different context and cannot interfere. They are kept in separate .js files under a separate folder. 

Node.js has three modules; 

• Node.js core modules- The core module includes minimum functions of Node.js. They are compiled in their binary distribution and automatically load when the process (Node) starts. However, a developer must import the core module before using it in the application. 

• Node.js local modules- As the name suggests, these modules are formed locally in the application. They cover different functions of the applications in separate folders. Developers can package and distribute it through NPM so the Node community can use it. 

• Third-party modules- These use NPM and are available online. They can be downloaded in the project folders or worldwide. Express, Mongoose, React, and Angular are some of the famous third-party modules.

Buffer Module in Node.js

The buffer module is used for buffer-based operations. This module helps in handling the stream of binary data. Buffers are introduced to deal with raw binary data. It assigns raw memory outside the v8 heap.

Syntax: const buf = Buffer.alloc (n)

Call-back functions are vital for writing non-blocking and asynchronous programs in Node.js. It is executed after a specific set of tasks has been executed, avoiding the blockage of the whole program. In JavaScript, these functions pass an argument to other functions. However, using the call-back function, the initial function will run the last function as the call-back function after the execution of statements.

Node.js runs on an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model. Non-blocking refers to a program that doesn’t block or hamper the execution of other operations. These methods are executed or carried out asynchronously. It suggests that this program does not need to be implemented line by line. In this case, the program will call for the function, go ahead with the new operation and not hold for it to come back or return.

Node.js extensively uses events to increase its operating speed. Once the server starts, it initializes the functions and variables and listens to the occurrence of the events. This type of programming is used to arrange the occurring events and make the program simple.

It has components such as;

Node.js follows the single-threaded event loop model. A JavaScript event-based model inspires this Node model with the call-back mechanism. Because of this, it can handle multiple client requests simultaneously. 

There is no need to create more and more threads because of the event loop. The single-threaded event loop architecture provides more scalability and performance. Also, the applications built on Node.js use fewer threads so that there is minimum usage of resources and reduced memory. Due to these reasons, the event loop is considered the heart of Node.

It is crucial to understand the event loop before knowing the lifecycle of a Node.js program. An event loop is something that makes tasks easy and fast. It enables Node to undergo non-blocking I/O operations. A script starts executing when a developer runs a node file through node app.js. It gets converted into machine language. 

It means that components get resolved and stored in the memory. It will not exit and run multiple times due to an event loop. Once the event loop starts executing, it will continue working until event listeners are registered. 

Features of Node.js lifecycle 

• Node.js works on a single thread. It relies on the single-threaded event loop model, which can maintain multiple client requests. A single thread executes the main event loop. However, in the background, output and input work is performed on different threads, as the API input-output operation of Node is asynchronous in terms of accommodating the event loop. 

• Asynchronous- Node.js operates in a non-blocking way by default. When a client sends a request to a server, a single thread receives and handles it and checks for the database interaction. If it does not involve interactions, the server sends the response, followed by processing the request. The thread is now ready to handle other requests. 

• Caching- Node.js supports caching of modules. A module is cached in the application memory when requested for the first time. Developers do not need to execute codes as caching supports faster loading of the webpages and responds to the user.

To set up a Node.js environment on windows, follow the given steps. 

1. Go to the Node.js official website. 
2. Click on "Install" to download the latest Node version.  
3. Double-click on the MSI file to start the downloading process. 
4. Click on the Next button and accept the terms and conditions. 
5. Choose a location to install it.
6. Choose default values and install them.
7. Open Node js platform on the home explorer and check for node.exe and npm.cmd files and node module folders.

REPL stands for “Read Eval Print Loop”. It is a computer environment where a command is entered, and the system delivers an output in an interactive mode. Node.js is bundled with the REPL environment. This feature helps to debug JavaScript codes.

The tasks performed by it are as follows:

Read – Takes input, converts it into JavaScript data structure, and stores it in memory.

Eval – Takes and evaluates the structure of the data.

Print – Prints the result                  

Loop – The command is looped until the user presses ctrl+c twice.

For example- $ node

> 1 + 3

4

> 1 + ( 2 * 3 ) - 4

3

>

Package Manager in Node.js life cycle

Package manager in Node.js is also known as Node Package Manager (NPM). It is a command-line tool used to install, update or uninstall packages in the application. The NPM performs operations in two modes, local and global. In the local mode, operations are done on the local directory, which only affects that directory's application. Whereas, in the global model, the performed operations affect all the applications on the computer. 

For example- The coding used to download the package called ‘upper case’ is

C:\User\Your  Name>npm install upper-case

The Callbacks Concept in Node.js life Cycle

A call-back function in Node.js is used when the task is completed. This function helps in preventing any kind of blocking and running other codes in the meantime. The call-back concept allows it to process multiple requests without waiting for other functions to return the result.

For example- getDbFiles(store, function(files){

getCdnFiles(store, function(files){

})

})

Event loop in Node.js life cycle

The event loop is a core concept of Node.js. It helps a developer to learn non-blocking I/O and asynchronous processes. The event loop works, knowing the fact the JavaScript is single-threaded. A thread is automatically established when a Node program is launched. After this, an event loop is generated. This loop determines which operations are single-threaded and should be performed at any given time.

Phases of Event Loop:

“timer - pending callbacks - idle, prepare - poll (incoming, connections) - check - close callbacks - timer…”

Timers: Callbacks scheduled by setTimeout() or setInterval() are executed in this phase.

Pending Callbacks: I/O callbacks deferred to the next loop iteration are executed here.

Idle, Prepare: For internal use.

Poll: Gets new Input/Output events.

Check: This phase invokes the setIntermediate() callbacks.

Close Callbacks: It manages the close callbacks. E.g., socket.on(‘close’)

For example - 

console.log("This is the first statement");   

setTimeout(function(){

console.log("This is the second statement");

}, 1000);

console.log("This is the third statement");

Output:

This is the first statement

This is the third statement 

This is the second statement

Buffers Module in Node.js life cycle

Buffer is defined as a space in memory that is used for storing binary data. These spaces of memory in Node.js are accessed with the help of a built-in buffer class. The buffers store a sequence of integers like an array in JavaScript. Also, a developer cannot change the buffer size once it is created. The module that handles the binary data stream is known as the buffer module.

For example- The syntax for creating buffers is 

const buffer = Buffer.alloc(7);

// This will print out 7 bytes of zero:

// <Buffer 00 00 00 00 00 00 00>

 Streams in Node.js life cycle

Streams are the data handling methods used to read or write input into output in sequential order. It is an interface for working with streaming data in Node.js. The streams can handle writing or reading files and exchanging information. The stream module offers an API for the implementation of the stream interface.

For example- The syntax for readable stream 

const Stream = require('stream')

const readableStream = new Stream.Readable()

After writing this syntax, one can send data

readableStream.push('ping!')

readableStream.push('pong!')

File system in Node.js cycle

The file system is a module of Node.js that handles file operations like reading, creating, deleting, etc. It provides the functionality of file I/O by offering wrappers around the standard functions of POSIX. All the file system operations can have asynchronous or synchronous forms depending upon the users' requirements. The syntax for using file system operation is: var fs = require ('fs');

Some uses of the file system module are:

• Write files
• Append files
• Read files
• Close files
• Delete files

For example- The coding used for opening a file is

var fs = require("fs");

// Asynchronous - Opening File

console.log("Going to open file!");

fs.open('input.txt', 'r+', function(err, fd) {

if (err) {
return console.error(err);

}
console.log("File opened successfully!");     

});

Node is one of the most popular platforms for web development around the globe. It outshines other web apps by eliminating WebSockets with technology. As it is a growing technology, many aspiring developers are looking for online or offline courses to learn Node.js. But, before jumping into such courses, they must know why they should learn Node rather than blindly following the trend. 

Here are some reasons why to learn Node.js. 

1. JavaScript-based learning- 

Node.js is based on JavaScript, and people having command of it can learn and understand Node. As JavaScript language can be shared on both server and client-side, instead of wasting time learning a server-side language, it's better to learn JS and apply it. A developer who is well-versed with JS can work as a full-stack developer without having a grasp of other programming languages. Starts and small-scale businesses get web development-based tasks done with a few developers. 

2. Best for creating microservices-

As Node.js is lightweight and scalable, so it is the favorite pick for microservice architectures. These architectures mean breaking the application into independent and isolated services. With its microservice architecture, developers can independently develop, maintain, operate, and test applications and prevent infrastructure disasters.

The combination allows reusability of codes between server-side and client-side. Further, it reduces app development costs and time as developers now have to focus only on newly introduced and updated services. 

These benefits may inspire young coders to learn Node.js. They can join tutorials offered by online or offline course providers or boot camps. Now, the question arises of whether they should enroll in an online training program or an offline one. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages. 

However, Node.js online courses are popular these days due to the following factors;

1. Promotes Self-paced Learning

Many people don't have time to manage their full-time job and education or learning simultaneously. In such a case, joining an offline course makes no sense. Therefore, an online Node.js course provides flexibility to individuals with a chance to learn new things without quitting the job.  

2. Better Time Management

Balancing work, college, and family commitments isn't easy. In a Node.js training online program, students can set their schedules accordingly without missing any lecture. Online programs make people follow a regular schedule, meet deadlines, and balance personal and professional lives. 

3. Improved Virtual Collaboration & Communication

Learning and working with others in a virtual environment can make an individual a better leader. He will acquire the required leadership skills by making efficient processes, using specialized knowledge, and making decisions on communication practices, such as determining what decisions to be taken virtually or in person. In an online Node.js course, individuals participate in board discussions with other students, communicate electronically, and collaborate through software programs. 

As the Node.js training course progresses, students become better at pitching ideas and making relevant and professional arguments. 

4. Refines Critical Thinking abilities

Online courses facilitate individuals to use their analytical thinking skills to manage their day-to-day work. The objective of such a course is to force them to think differently and deliver good results. Having good analytical skills help people stand out from the crowd.

 5. Cost-Effective

Another benefit of an online Node.js training course is reduced financial costs. Online training is more affordable compared to offline programs. The reason is cutting prices on transportation, accommodation, and meals. Additionally, all the content is available in PDF formats saving the cost of printing. 

The node course syllabus contains fundamental concepts such as web server, HTTP object, event-driven programming, security concepts, express and data serialization fundamentals, and advanced elements like production server environment, networking concepts, node modules, node deployment, and auto crash recovery.

The complete node.js course can be divided into the following sessions:

• Node.js modules

• Node package manager (NPM)

• Creating web server

• File system

• Debugging Node.js application

• Events

• Express JS

• Serving static resources

• Database connectivity

• Project development

In the above sessions, all the Node.js fundamentals are covered.

Companies such as Google, Meta, and Amazon hire professional web developers every 15 minutes. Node.js is the 10th most popular tech skill and the industry is expected to grow 16% by 2026. The top industries using Node.js are computer electronics & technology, law & government, finance, and media & entertainment. 

These statistics highlight the bright future of node. Hence, programmers and developers worldwide are joining Node.js courses to hone their skills.

The focus of the Node.js course is to pave the way from a programmer to a developer. It is about the ability to think of an idea and convert it into a web application. A Node.js course can develop skills required by a professional developer, giving them numerous opportunities to bag high-paying jobs in top tech companies. Therefore, the demand for the course has been increasing rapidly in India.

Node.js specialists write server-side web applications in JavaScript. Their role is to deploy and maintain the network applications. Node developers enjoy the benefit of a salary increment as they are in demand among the companies.

In India, the average salary of a Node.js developer is about INR 6.48 lakh per annum.

Salaries of specific roles possessing Node.js skills are discussed below:

• Software engineer – INR 5.95L per annum

• Software developer – INR 4.72L per annum

• Full-stack software developer – INR 5.45L per annum

• Web developer – INR 3.68L  per annum

• Senior software engineer – INR 10.94L per annum

The salary increases typically to 12-15 lakhs per annum with five years of experience. Moreover, it can go up to 20-22 lakhs with 5-7 years or more experience in the field. 

Around the world, the average salary of a Node.js developer based on experience is as follows:

• Junior – $60k per annum

• Middle – $73k per annum

• Senior – $86k per annum

Node.js is a software development technique used to manage issues with web applications and servers. It is a widely used technology for various platforms such as Windows. At the entry-level, many people can start as front-end developers. After getting experience of 5-6 years, candidates are promoted to scrum master, team leader, product owner, or architect. 

With a Node.js skill, a candidate can choose any career option and enjoy career growth, raised salary, and promotion benefits. A candidate can opt for software developer jobs, service management, front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development jobs. These jobs are in high demand as the companies require skilled employers who can make a profit for the company. Salary is one of the benefits that a Node.js skilled candidate enjoys after being selected by big companies. 

As it is in high demand, companies can grow by recruiting skilled developers. These developers can give their best for the company's growth by fulfilling all the clients' requirements.

Below is the distribution of the average salary (per annum) of a Node.js developer in different countries:

• Switzerland – $108k

• USA – $105k

• Australia – $79k

• Canada – $76k

• Germany – $65k

• Netherlands – $59k

• UK – $53k

• Belgium – $51k

• Ukraine – $12k