nodejs development Archives

There is a popular saying in the world of web development, “JavaScript is the preferred method of turning electricity into waste heat” Well, no matter if you support or refute this, you know that has changed now. It might have been true earlier, but ‘Node’ anymore.Well, let’s get past the fun banter and get to what exactly NodeJs framework is.

Some of the top names in the business world are using this technology and this open-source, cross-platform, JavaScript runtime environment is here to stay.

What makes it special? It is free. It runs on various platforms (Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X, and more!) And it runs on asynchronous programming.

And what does that imply?

Imagine this.

You run a retail shop. Multiple people come to your shop, ask for an item, you pick it up from the storage cabinet, and give it to the customer. And till then, the other customers are waiting for their turn in a queue. Time-consuming, isn’t it?

Well, that is how most servers worked before Node.Js. Now when there is a file request, Node.Js sends the request to the computer system and then takes the next request, returning the files when found. Saving time, memory, resources, and the building block to efficient servers – that is Node.Js for you.

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Is it a fail-proof option? Will hiring a Node.Js developer be really effective? Well, the business leaders are using it – there must be something about it, right?

Check out the list of top 10 Node.js app examples and see for yourself:

1. PayPal

PayPal needs to deal with 200 million active user accounts from across the globe and it does that seamlessly.

How? Node.js framework is to thank.

The company itself issued a statement saying that their Node.Js application has 33% less code and was written in half the usual time. With this, the processing time is 2 times faster than usual. Millions of people trust PayPal and PayPal trusts Node.Js.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js is trustworthy.

2. Netflix

As a video streaming platform, Netflix’s most important success mantra is its performance. And according to official company sources, their load time went down by 70% with Node.Js framework.

They also use the TTI (Time to interactive metric) to further analyze its efficacy and use just Node.Js for coding in the future.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js positively impacts performance.

3. Uber

Uber has been doubling its capacity and size every six months or so, and according to the latest stats, they are able to process over 2 million remote processing calls per second.

Now that is impressive, ain’t it?

And Node.Js helps them do all this. It is a mobile app built with Node.Js, this is a system reliable to both drivers and customers.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js framework can help you expand, grow, and keep hassles out of the way.

4. LinkedIn

Now, this supposedly ‘antique’ platform still has 450 million users as it does help connect employers and prospective employees. When it was sold to Microsoft in 2016, the complete mobile app backend was done on Node.Js framework.

The results?

Two to ten times faster on the client-side, with servers going down from 15 to 4, and all this while traffic was being doubled.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js can speed up your redundant business/app/platform and bring new life to it.

5. eBay

With 170 million active users, the e-commerce giant, eBay needs real-time interaction. And Node.Js is what backs them. They are using the build – deploy – automate principle to transition to full-featured Node stack. So what about the results? eBay is up and running and growing strong.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js can help you maintain real-time connections to servers

6. Walmart

Walmart uses Node.Js as the orchestration layer above legacy APIs. They now are able to create and deploy new APIs for Walmart apps within just a few hours.

Results?

Release times went down significantly. The Walmart backend developers chose Node.Js and Javascript after having battled with memory for 6 months. And Node.Js framework became their saviour.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js can help you in dire times, giving quick results.

7. Medium

Medium, the popular publishing platform, uses Nginx and Node.Js together. 25 million monthly readers and thousands of published articles make it important that Medium remains service-oriented, and Node.Js makes it possible from the back-end by allowing the sharing of codes from client-side to the server-side.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js can deliver service-oriented results

8. NASA

When NASA found out their data was scattered in several locations, they went to build their own end-to-end data system and chose Node.Js for the task. A Node.js enterprise-scale architecture was made and everything was moved to a cloud.

So?

Now, there is 1 database for everything and access time was reduced by 300%.

Result? Safer living, and working conditions for astronauts.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js can offer top-notch safety solutions.

9. Mozilla

Mozilla Persona and BrowserID use Node.Js.

Why?

Number 1 – A memory capable enough to sustain 1 million users.

Number 2 – same languages as of JavaScript. The effect? Teams worked faster and productivity increased. And they are now using it for cross-platform pages and web frameworks like Express.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js is productive and fast,

10. Trello

One of the best project management tools Trello, when launched in 2011, came with JavaScript and Node.Js was used for the server-side. They have used it for multiple prototyping projects also and Node.Js is what facilitated quick testing and design changes.

Key Takeaway: Node.Js can help you build better platforms and apps with easy correction options.

Also Read: How To Hire A Team Of Best Node.JS Developers

Advantages of Node.Js in a Nutshell

Every platform that uses Node.Js framework uses it for a different advantage that it offers. And here is a list of those advantages:

1. Speed

2. Non Blocking

3. Data Streaming

4. Real Time

5. Unified Database

6. Easy Coding

7. Quick Development

8. Apt for Androids

9. Safety

10. Performance Enhancement

Performance Metrics That Can be Used

Now, coming to the real tests. What metrics should be used to test the efficiency or otherwise of Node.Js? What can help you decide whether or not the hype about Node.Js is substantial? Is it just a white elephant or a lion that is all set to roar?

Let theses metrics guide you:

1. Event loop

What does it mean: The ability to execute code in a loop

Node.Js is famous for its no-block nature. The system can handle async operations and unlimited operations can be processed

2. Real-time User Behavior

What does it mean: This metrics is all about response time measurement

Node.Js helps several applications process multiple requests in a matter of seconds. In conclusion, efficiency is proven in this regard!

3. Process Memory

What does it mean: Manage application memory so as to prevent memory leaks

Node.Js’ extremely efficient support tool, Garbage collector comes to play here. You can check how much time it spends on the tool and check for building trends by comparing memory after each run to see the results for yourself.

4. External Frameworks

What does it mean: Dependence on other servers, systems, and database

You can check the request rate, response time, APIs, content size, and error rates for gathering reliable insights.

The Bottom Line

Node.Js is the present and future of web application development. But, as it is always said, a brilliant idea in the hands of a fool can wreak havoc. And so, you need an experienced, innovative, and quick-learning Node.Js developer who can match the capabilities of Node.Js and use it to build prolific scripts and a shining future for you!

It’s not going to be easy – let’s warn you. A 2017 Forbes report informs that there has been a 2,493% increase in the demand for Node.js developers between 2011 and 2015. There is a clear mismatch between the demand and the supply.

If you have an in-house Node.js expert, take on a fast-learning intern and train them. That’s what some experts advise.

If you need to hire a Node.js developer, this is how you need to go about it.

Step 1. Identify the Skill-sets You Need

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It is good practice to prepare a full list of your needs. That will give you a clear idea of the skill-sets that are must-haves to address your needs, and the ones you can compromise on, maybe.

Step 2. The Search & Short-listing Phase

This is an extensive and idealistic list, but we have taken care to mark out the non-negotiables.

Look for someone with 2-3 years of experience as a Node.js developer. When scanning their CVs, check for any record of actively contributing to fixing bugs or developing patches.
It need not be a part of any job. It could be a contribution to the Node.js community. That would tell you three important things.
The person has good practical knowledge of Node.js
The person actively follows up on new developments in Node.js
The person has a deep interest in web application development and custom software
Check for their knowledge and comfort level with front-end technologies. This is important as Node.js developers need to integrate front-end elements into the design.
Knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3 is particularly important.
The Node.js developer you hire needs to have a thorough knowledge of the Agile process and ceremonies that include backlog grooming, demos, planning events, retrospectives, and scrums.
Scan for their knowledge of Node.js frameworks. The basic framework is Express, knowledge of which is a given. However, Node.js has developed other frameworks like Hapi, Koa.js, and Total.
These have expanded the functionalities of Express. When looking to hire an experienced Node.js developer you must have a knowledge of these frameworks also.
Check for their knowledge of Model-View-Controller (MVC) frameworks like Rails, Sinatra, and Strongloop. Must-have for a quality Node.js developer.
A Node.js developer needs to deal with interfaces between multiple systems. That would be impossible without a sound experience of working with RESTful APIs (Application Program Interface).
Must have the experience of working with one or more JavaScript frameworks.
Technical knowledge of CSS and GitHub coding is essential.
The capacity of writing incorporation testing codes, compound design coding ability, and knowledge of accessibility and security compliance constitute must-have skill-sets.
Knowledge of asynchronous programming. Without it, the time your Node.js developer will take more time than necessary. That is not something you need to accommodate.

Bonus skills in a Node.js developer:

Knowledge of full-stack MVC frameworks like ActionHero, Derby, Keystone.is, and Meteor is a bonus.
Experience of working with data-driven and customized web APIs like Sails signifies an advanced skill that could simplify processes like dashboards, real-time chat applications, etc.
Working knowledge of node package managers like Gulp or Grunt helps in adding efficiency and speed to your web applications.

Step 3. Interview Stage

Unless you are a technical expert of Node.js yourself, we strongly advise you to have someone who is, when you interview potential candidates. It is critical to test the technical skills when you hire a Node.js developer.

Ask questions about previous and/or ongoing work. Probe for details of the actual work. Do not ask theoretical questions. You may get learned-by-heart answers.
Encourage a discussion on the recent trends and developments in Node.js. Check for how updated your candidate’s knowledge level is. Probe for future trends understanding.
A practical test is a must. Set your candidate to apply their Node.js skills to a practical task within a stipulated time limit.
It is a good idea to assign something you’ve already solved. If the candidate can solve it faster than the time taken originally, it is a sure-shot pointer to their efficiency and skill level.

The solutions they suggest will also verify their business acumen.

Non-technical Skills you Need to Check During The Interview

As for any other role, soft skills play an important role when hiring a Node.js developer also. It is as important to check these out as the soundness of their technical skills.

If you think soft skills are not that important for a technical person, think again. In Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends Report 2016, 92% of the respondents rated soft skills as critical for a business to succeed. That is 7,000 respondents across designations from 130 countries we are talking about.

It is vital to test your candidate’s soft skills in the following areas during the interview:

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Communication and Collaboration Skills

A Node.js developer with sound technical knowledge, but zero communication skills for everything outside technology will end up being a burden on you.

The same is true about someone who can work exceedingly well on one’s own but has poor collaboration skills.

An easy and effective way to check basic communication skills is to ask your candidate to say something about the self that is not part of their CV.

Pairing up a candidate with another candidate, or an existing team member for a practical task is a good way of checking collaborative skills.

Problem-solving Skills

Problems will be there in any workplace. How would your Node.js developer respond to them? Find out during the interview.

Ask for a real-life example of a sticky situation your candidate has faced, and how they overcame it.

Pro-active Attitude and Initiative

Present a problem and check your candidate’s response. Choose a real-life problem that you know of. One that does not involve a life and death situation, but can make a significant difference in the outcome if one proactively addresses it.

What would you do if you recognize that your neighbor’s prized orchid has a rare plant disease and your neighbor doesn’t know that yet?

Something in these lines.

Emotional Regulation

We cannot emphasize the importance of this skill enough!

Ask your candidate to share a real-life story when they had to work with someone they intensely disliked. Probe for the details of what they actually did. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

The Final Decision

Gather some market knowledge about the salary or per hour rates of Node.js developers in your country. Ultimately, that will have a bearing on our final hiring decision.

If you are looking for one single candidate as an in-house team member, fine. What do you do if you are thinking of outsourcing your Node.js development work?

You still need to go through most of the motions we have described here. But, hire a freelancer or someone from a digital agency?

We vote for the latter. It is always safer to have someone with backup support for your project.

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