5 Habitual Mistakes Node.js Developers Often Make

For the past few years, Node.js, accounting for its growth and popularity, has been a talking point for some time now. Well-establish companies like Walmart and PayPal have adapted it, making it one of the most recognized languages at present. However, as many other platforms, Node.js faces a lot of development problems that includes crucial mistakes committed by the developers themselves. This article details out the top 5 common mistakes that the developers are guilty of committing often.

Blocking The Event Loop

Being a single-threaded environment, Node.js makes sure that, no part of run in a parallel. To achieve the concurrency I/O bound operations are handled asynchronously. But this leads to the blocking of the event loop as thousands of clients are connected to it. There is no a clear-cut solution to this problem, other than to address each case individually. 

Initiating Multiple Callbacks

Relying on callbacks is what JavaScript has done forever. In Node.js, callbacks are the only way to make asynchronous elements of the code to communicate with each other. This will be the norm, at least till further enhancements are done. The package developers are also more inclined to design their APIs around the callbacks. With such great importance, the vital error that happens is using a callback more than once. Just being a bit more careful, developers can avoid this critical error.

Deeper Nesting Of Callbacks

Nesting callback so deep is not exactly a Node.js issue, but may cause problems, making the code spin out of control in a short span of time. It gets worse with the complexity of the task. Nesting callbacks in this way will end up with a hard-to-read, hard-to-maintain and error-filled code. One feasible solution is to declare these tasks as small functions and then later link them all up.

Assuming The Callbacks Will Run Synchronously

The USP of JavaScript and Node.Js, that lead to their success and popularity is the process of asynchronous programming with callbacks. With regards to other programming languages, it's easy to predict that two statements will execute one after another automatically unless some special instruction is provided to jump between statement. However is Node.js, that uses callbacks, a single task may not perform well until the previous task is finished. Node.js developers have to make sure, the next task that has to happen after the call, has to be invoked from within it.

Not Testing The Application Enough

Assuming that the application is “done” before running multiple tests on them is considered as a cardinal sin. With the availability of multiple testing tools at the disposal of the developers, there is really no excuse for not testing.

Final Words

By now, it's clear that these mistakes may cause devastating effects on the program. Node.js had made it extremely easy for beginners to learn and get started, but there are areas, where things can be easily messed up. Avoiding these crucial mistakes will let the developers to extract all the advantages, Node.js has to offer.

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Node.js Version 6 - New Improvements and Features

Node.js is up with its latest version just 6 months after the release of version 5. The new version is adorned with a handful of performance improvements adding to its security and stability . The version 6 of Node.js will make every Node.js developer happy for it brings in long-term support. It is expected to offer web developers more reliability and stability. 

What are the vital improvements in Node.js version 6?

One of the essential additions in Node.js is the increase in the speed of module loading. The older LTS version, especially 4 has less speed, hence developers used to spend more time for application development cycles. Now the latest version attempts to increase the speed by four times more. The version is an updated one with JavaScript V8 engine. The older version has compatibility with JavaScript engine 5.0 only. This new update is 93% complete in terms of ES6 features. 

Node.js v6 includes a host of features namely super keywords, default as well as rest parameters, and diverse classes. Node.js 6 comes with an added buffer API which is built-in to lessen the number of programming bugs, and other issues. In addition to it, other notable enchantments encompass a Zero-fill buffer, an improved constructor method, and an advanced Math.random(). Node.js developers can also utilize an increased number of documentations and testing, as well.

The new version enables extremely simple JavaScript operations by means of an enriched proxy, reflect, and symbols. Version 5 will receive a proper maintenance for few more moths. This LTS version will be shifted to maintenance mode, and it will receive updates, and bug fixing in future. Whereas, the new version of node.js 6 will get lifetime support, added ES6 features, and a JavaScript V8 engine. 

When can Developers Shift to Node.js v6?

However, developers will have to wait till October 2016 for shifting to Node.js 6. It will be an LTS version by that time, and there onward developers can make the alterations accordingly. 

Note : Now Node.js v6.2.1 is available - check here for more details.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Node.js

In the present scenario, JavaScript is one of the most popular client-side programming languages. With a model of concurrency and no concept of a thread, JavaScript was able to differentiate itself from other dynamic languages. Node.js can be credited for this well-documented popularity. 

Node.js helped JavaScript in server-side implementations, which reduced a lot of complexity of using two different languages at both ends. Node.js also helps in building innovative server and web/mobile applications. This article discusses the pros and cons of this excellent run time environment, so that the next time you approach any Node.js development services to build your web or mobile apps, you're completely aware of what you can expect.

Advantages of Choosing Node.js

• The main advantage is that it uses JavaScript, which is easy to learn. A basic Java programmer will find it easy to upgrade to Node.js.

• Node.js is an open source runtime environment that supports caching of individual modules. 

• Concurrent request handling is assisted by the asynchronous event-driven IO.

• Both the server and the client-side uses the same piece of coding and as a result, it makes things easier for businesses to deploy the various web applications more effective.

• Node.js has an active and vibrant community with codes shared regularly via Github, etc.

• Being a single-threaded program, Node.js has multiple options for having a good control over run-time executions like event-loops and call-back methods.

Disadvantages of Choosing Node.js

• The main drawback is the consistency factor. Many Node.js development companies feel that the API keeps changing at frequent intervals.

• Node.js don't work well with relational databases.

• Node.js requires an asynchronous programming approach for it to enhance its scalability. This has a split opinion among developers as many feel that this particular approach is more complicated than the linear blocking I/O programming. This also makes the code look messy.

• Node.js is not suitable for large and complex web applications as it, at present doesn't support both multi-threaded programmings. 

• Programmers find it hard to use Node.js for high intensive computational tasks. 

Final Words

In spite of the shortcomings, Node.js have abundant features that will help in creating a wide range of networking and server-side applications in JavaScript. To conclude, as a web developer, it's very essential to study both the pros and cons of Node.js to put it to use at the best of its ability.

Node.js Tutorials - 5 Best Books from Famous Authors

Node.Js, a JavaScript based framework has gathered immense attention among developers for application development. Node.js developers find it extremely efficient to create APIs and to build a new matrix of interoperability across the internet. It's a necessity for developers to have an in-depth knowledge about the structure, implementation and applications of the Node.js for using it with greater efficiency. The following article is about to discuss the few of the best books written by famous Authors on how to master the Node.js framework. The books discussed has a descriptive study of Node.Js that helps developers from the beginners to the top-level.

What is Node? By Brett McLaughlin

If you are very new to the Node.js framework, then, ‘what is Node?’ this book is written by Brett McLaughlin is very useful and informative. It is a very basic book that helps you to understand what is a Node? What is the purpose of using Node? Where to use Node? And for what kinds of projects, you can implement Node?

To the point, this book explains the basic concept of Node.js with the excellent citation. You may find the book to be very short and also looks like an essay or an article on the introduction of Node. But, its specialty is that it does give you clarity regarding Node.js and also does fairness to the title.

Node: Up and Running by O’RELLY

It is the helpful book for the developers who have a fair understanding of JavaScript and programming. This book from O’RELLY is a great one that helps you to gain an in-depth sight about the programming knowledge of Node.js.

It greatly speaks about the introduction of how to develop a highly-scalable web development framework written in JavaScript. The developers can ease the work of splitting the application logic between client and server side with the real-time explanations of Node.js in this book. You can also come to know about its event loop architecture that how it greatly reduces the complexity and develops your server programming safe and easy. On the whole, it is the neat book for the developers to make out their own server-side web application.

Smashing Node.js: JavaScript Everywhere by Guillermo Rauch

Have a huge experience in JavaScript and want directly jump into the Node.js, then reference and knowledge you gain from this book helps to develop a user-friendly web application rapidly.

Smashing Node.js is the great book that enhances your ability in the Node.js even further. It encloses all necessary tools and features for developing an efficient web application. It also demonstrates the high-scalability web server knowledge of Node.js and also explains how to utilize the resources optimally in your web application.

Learning Node.js: A Hands-On Guide to Building Web Applications in JavaScript by Marc Wandschneider

Being a node.js developer, you can’t avoid the Learning Node.js book which will be yours on the hand guide for building a web application in the safest JavaScript. The book begins with the basic information of Node.js, event looping concept, and non-blocking coding and concludes with voluminous practical information of Node.js. All through the book, it covers the development process of the server-side web application for all small, medium and large-scale web application.

Node.js the Right Way- Practical, Server-Side JavaScript That scales by Jim R. Wilson

If you aspire to become a great Node.js developer and programmer, this is the right book that you have to choose with. Get a head starts on your new web application with this modern server-side JavaScript programming based book by Jim R Wilson. This book is the right way to make a real-time and quality server-side application with ease. It helps you to clarify all your doubts in developing an exceptional web application in the framework with the real-time citation.

It briefly describes how to create a wide range of web application of any type like small, fast, low-profile, useful, and network application. It also gives guidelines for you to write non-blocking and asynchronous code in the special way of Node.js framework.

Note : I thought this article would help in some way for those who willing to learn node.js and to become expertise. It was taken from here - Best books to learn node.js

PHP Vs Node.js, Which is Best?

Technology is continually changing and so is the people's choice of working on different technologies. PHP and Node.js are two technologies that are now in vogue among the programming community. 

Both are primarily used in web development and are open source. Given their similarities, it would also be in the best interests of a Node.js developer and also a PHP ninja to know their differences and the areas they are best at.

Language syntax:

PHP is very much different from other programming languages. There is no one specific way by which the PHP developers have to work in PHP. The developer can start with some multi-line programs. Then, add functions and then move to PHP4-like objects. However, between the versions, PHP syntax can change. Due to this, PHP is a bit chaotic.

When we compare Node.js, which is written in JavaScript, with that of PHP, its language syntax is brief and succinct. So, with regard to Language syntax, it is Node.js that is the clear winner. The reason to use Node.js is that Javascript on the client and server can be used by full-stack developers.

See Also : HTML 5 vs HTML 6, Features of HTML 6

Development Tools:

Both PHP and Node.js perform well in terms of development tools. Integrated development environment, editors, debuggers and validators are offered. However, an area where Node.js scores well is the presence of Node Package Manager in it. 

The npm ( as it is commonly called) enables installation and management of dependencies. It also allows setting configuration variables and defines scripts. It deserves mentioning that npm contributed to the growth of build tools – Grunt and Gulp.

Environments:

Technologies can be used in diverse areas. When it comes to using PHP, the developer can use PHP for command line development and for desktop. However, many overlook these areas. Node.js developers have gone many steps further in using it for platforms and ecosystems. JavaScript can be used in desktop, terminal, browser, server and embedded systems.

Performance:

Node.js requires fewer dependencies than PHP. And in contrast to the PHP interpreter, Node.js is a smaller and a faster interpreter. Other performance aspect where Node.js surpasses PHP is that its applications run permanently. In Node.js, single database connection object can be reused. Nonetheless, in PHP, Memcached can be used.

Support for developers:

It is necessary for a developer to seek assistance during the course of working on programming. Support and help from official documentation and also resources like StackOverflow, forums and courses are required. PHP is really good in this front. A wonderful manual it offers is highly supportive. Whereas, Node.js developers can only get less help. However, it has quality documentation.

So, Which is best:?

While a Node.js developer would experience really good features and tools offered by it, PHP too offers some exceptional features. So, PHP or Node.js? Which is best? To put it euphemistically, "Node.js is a step ahead."