Why Use Node.js for Real-Time App Development

Real-time apps have a huge demand these days. Such applications can perform different functions within a time frame, and the user considers it as immediate or instant. Some of the examples of real-time applications include some eCommerce transactions, chatting, VoIP (voice over internet protocol), video conferencing, online multiplayer gaming applications, etc. Other than these, web or mobile applications often include real-time features like notifications and real-time messaging.

Today, we will discuss why Node.js is the ideal choice for real-time app development. But before that, let’s take a closer look at the usages of real-time apps. If you are not yet familiar with the concept, the following sections will help you to get an idea.

Usage of Real-Time Apps

• Live Streaming

Live streaming is when a video is streamed on the internet in real-time without being pre-recorded. From YouTube to Facebook and Instagram integrate the live streaming feature to entertain people. By 2024, 91 million subscribers are predicted to use live streaming.

• Tracking

With the popularity of cab booking apps or on-demand delivery apps – real-time tracking has become part and parcel of our lives. The users can track the real-time progress of the cab or the package and rest assured.

• Chatting

Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, etc., messaging apps are prime examples of real-time messaging apps. Other than conventional messaging apps, various other applications like cab booking app, eCommerce app etc., integrate real-time messaging feature to enhance user experience. By 2022, the number of chatting apps is predicted to reach 3 million.

• Notification

Instant notifications can boost an app engagement up to 88% (source: Invespcro). This is why more and more businesses prefer to deliver real-time notifications through their web or mobile apps.

• IoT

Today, most digital appliances are synced with smartphones. You can change the functionality directly from the phone. Also, several IoT devices rely on real-time factors like exposure to wind, room temperature, etc. Thus, real-time features are essential for many Internet of Things devices.

Now, let’s find out why the experts of web and mobile app development services recommend using Node.js for real-time application development.

Why Node.js is Ideal for Real-Time App Development

• Event-Driven

Node.js is an open-source runtime environment based on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript Engine. Its event-driven I/O (Input/Output) model helps the server to respond in a non-blocking manner. This makes task delegation real quick.

• Performance

Node.js is widely acknowledged for its asynchronous programming. It outweighs the limitations of any platform that creates additional threads for each request, which in turn loads the RAM to process the same.

Using a single thread, Node.js can implement an event loop. Naturally, numerous simultaneous requests can be handled without slowing down the RAM. Therefore, it is the ideal solution for a traffic-heavy real-time application.

• Single Code Base

Sending data between the server and client for effective synchronization is easy in Node.js. It has the ability to execute a single code for both sides – server and client. This feature makes it the ideal choice for the professionals at any mobile app or website design company for creating a real-time app without any hassle.

• Saves Effort, Time, & Cost

Node.js has a vast library – the Node Package Manager (NPM). It allows the developers to reuse the modules across the code and bring diverse functionalities into an application. Every app is unique. The open-source repository significantly reduces the development time, efforts, and costs, all the while facilitating innovative solutions.

• Proxy Server

Node.js is the perfect choice where intermediary admins are required. For using Node server as the proxy server, the developers need to add some codes, and the app will be able to properly stream data from different sources.

• Blazing Fast

The event-based architecture of Node.js makes it blazing fast. Instead of waiting for a request to complete before initiating another or creating distinct threads for each request, Node can process multiple requests simultaneously. This is extremely important for a real-time application where speed is the last word!

• Easy Learning Curve

As a JavaScript-based runtime environment, Node.js facilitates the learning process of the developers. Due to its relative simplicity, both Java and .NET developers prefer to use Node.js. Thus seasoned Node.js developers can easily craft a complicated real-time application. About 70% of the global companies prefer to hire Nodejs developers due to the increased productivity and reduced time of development.

• Strong Community Support

Node.js has powerful community support and industry backing. So the developers can get assistance from experts from across the world. This significantly advances the development project. Many often consider real-time app development to be quite challenging, but with the assistance of the community, this may turn into a breeze!

• Module-Based

Node.js operates on module-based functionality. It allows the developers to leverage the maximum advantage with fewer coding efforts. They can work on individual modules and later scale up the application. It reduces the complexity of app development.

• Simplified Deployment

Properly deploying an application is as much crucial as developing. Due to its dedicated setup and dynamic ecosystem, project completion and app deployment are considerably simplified.

Best Node Frameworks for Real-Time App Development

• Express.js

This is a robust and flexible Node.js framework that offers excellent features. With its wide range of HTTP methods, the developers can create APIs in a simple and effective way. Some of its useful features include the ability to integrate databases, multiple template engines and simplified routing, etc. It provides a lightweight layer while building applications and enhances app performance.

• Socket.io

The framework is ideal for real-time, bi-directional communication. It is one of the most comprehensive, reliable and fastest real-time engine. It also offers real-time analytics with counters, logs, and charts. With binary support, integration, scalability and easy debugging, Socket.io can boost up the development process. Implementation of binary streaming of video, audio and image is made easier.

Here’s a list of the top 15 Node.js development tools for you to check out.

Closing Thoughts

Node.js is a perfect choice for the data-intensive application. A real-time app encourages multiple user collaboration, seamless data streaming and making interactions. The robustness of Node.js makes it suitable for such an application.