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Node.js - What makes it the best for IoT development?

August 20th, 2024
node js for iot development.

Introduction

Wondering Why IoT Applications Are a Perfect Fit for Node.js? One must monitor technological advancement if they are to use technology to boost corporate success.

Finding the next "big thing" is how large corporations are changing in this way.

In order to surmount obstacles and achieve more seamless operations, all businesses must eventually have data management tools, network control, and intelligent solutions.

Choosing the best technology for your needs as a business can be very difficult. Big data analysis, the cloud, and the Internet of Things will all significantly alter business process management.

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is centered around synchronized and connected settings throughout the system, encompassing the integration of wireless technologies, microservices, web, sensors, and devices.

IoT is a popular term these days. We'll assist you in selecting the ideal technology for creating an Internet of Things application in this post.

"The Internet of Things is taking the lead in leveraging its potential as the next evolution of computing to drive significant changes for a more connected and synchronized world."

This is where Node.js development enters the picture. It is evident that most technologies for developing IoT applications were unable to offer real-time reflection via embedded systems and a consistent experience across devices.

What is Node.js

What is Node.js.

The creation of websites is becoming an essential part of business operations in the digital age. Essentially, businesses utilize websites and web-based applications to communicate with customers and conduct business. 

In order to create high-performance web applications, developers rely on server-side platforms that can manage databases, carry out complex calculations, and accommodate large numbers of users.

Web applications can be run outside of the client's browser with the help of Node.js, an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript environment. Programmers utilize it the most frequently among server-side platforms.

With the help of this platform's runtime environment, developers can execute JavaScript code outside of a web browser. Because of this, developers can use the same language for client-side and server-side development. Taking a Node.js course can help you become an expert in this industry.

Now, further let us understand the features of Node.js

What are the features of Node.js?

What are the features of Node.js?.

Node.js offers a variety of features that makes it an efficient server-side platform. Some key features of Node.js are as under:

Event driven architecture

Node.js architecture makes it the best platform for developing any real-time application that requires it to be scalable and highly performant. The Node.js developer uses this architecture to enable programmers to build an asynchronous code that can handle a larger number of requests and responses.

Microservices architecture

In this type of design the application is divided into smaller, easier-to-manage services which are developed, tested and deployed separately are a good fit for Node.js. Complex programs  can be maintained and grown easily using this method.

Security

Data can be inputted easily and securely over the internet all thanks to the security methods such as TLS/SSL support which are included in Node.js. Further, to improve the security of Node.js built apps you should use a larger ecosystem of a security library and tools that are available.

Non-blocking I/O

Non-blocking I/O is the paradigm that Node.js employs. It allows the platform to handle multiple requests at once without causing any delays to subsequent requests. This feature allows Node.js apps to process large amounts of data and handle high traffic volumes without crashing or lagging.

NPM (Non Package Manager)

Managing third party libraries, modules and frameworks became faster for a Node.js developer, thanks to the robust NPM package management. This package saves the time and effort of the developer as they only have to import all necessary packages to be used in their code.

Large Developer Community

For Node.js, there is a large and active developer community that creates open-source tools and libraries, provides assistance, and shares knowledge. As a result, developers will find it easier to resolve problems and learn from others.

Large Package Ecosystem

Node.js has become a sizable package ecosystem as there are more than 1.5 million packages easily available on the Node package manager, thus it makes it easier for developers to enhance the products and add the functionality to its apps.

Easy to learn

Learning about Node.js is relatively easy, specifically for those who are comfortable with JavaScript as using Node.js  wouldn't require a developer to learn a brand new programming language to get started creating apps using Node.js right away.

High Scalability

Adding extra nodes to the cluster can make Node.js applications grow horizontally with ease, thus making it convenient to handle the increased traffic and the data quantities, which makes it a perfect choice for building a highly scalable and high-traffic app.

Cross-platform support

Because Node.js is cross-platform, it is easy to run an application on a variety of servers and environments. The platform may run on a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

Now, further let us understand the benefits of Node.js

What are the benefits of Node.js?

What are the benefits of Node.js?.

Using Node.js allows the developers to utilize a number of benefits, thus making it a popular server-side platform among the developers. Some key benefits of Node.js are:

Faster Development

Developers can utilize the same language for both client-side as well as server-side work when using Node.js, which fastens the development process and lowers the room for learning curves.Not only this, the development process also becomes smooth and might take lesser time thanks to this functionality.

Higher Performance

Managing a bunch of data and traffic became easier with Node.js as its high performance lets developers manage the data faster without any stuttering or crashing. Node.js is famous and the best platform for its real-time application development, as it provides a great performance and scalability because of this characteristic.

Scalability

It can be horizontally scaled with ease, thus adding an extra server which handles large-scale applications smoothly. Moreover, a developer would easily be able to scale their apps because of an expanded base of Node.js, thanks to its functionality.

Cost-effective

Using Node.js is an economical option as it can be used with cheaper servers and cloud computing services which makes it a perfect choice for new companies or startups with a stiff budget.

Asynchronous Programming

Only because of its reliance on an event-driven non-blocking I/O mechanism, a programmer can build an extremely responsive and effective program, which makes it a sure-shot choice to build real-time applications like chat programs and gaming platforms.

Single-Threaded

Node.js can process multiple requests at once without launching a new thread for each one because it is a single-threaded program. It is easier to manage and more effective than other programming languages that require multiple threads to handle a large number of requests.

Now, moving ahead, let us understand the disadvantages of Node.js

What are the disadvantages of Node.js?

What are the disadvantages of Node.js?.

Although, there are numerous benefits offered by Mode.js, it has a few disadvantages available on the contrary to the benefits it produces for developers. Some of them are mentioned in this section:

Single-Threaded

One task can only be completed at a time on this single-threaded platform. This feature may hinder performance for particular application types that require multi-threading.

Not Suitable for CPU-bound applications

Applications that require a lot of calculation and are CPU-bound shouldn't use Node.js. This is so that Node.js, which only uses one thread, can't take use of CPUs with many cores.

Asynchronous Programming Model

Asynchronous programming can be a useful tool for developing real-time systems, but it can also be confusing and challenging for certain developers to understand and apply. Asynchronous programming requires a distinct method of running code, which can lead to more complex and challenging debugging.

Node.js: How it is gaining popularity to address needs of IoT

Node.js: How it is gaining popularity to address needs of IoT.

According to IHS forecasts, the installed base of IoT devices will increase from 15.4 billion in 2015 to 30.7 billion in 2020 and 75.4 billion in 2025.

Whereas, on the other side, Node.js is largely used to develop highly-scalable and modern day applications. It is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment which is used by big size brands to develop and maintain applications.

You must also know this:

  • Microsoft has adopted NodeJS, which has led to direct platform interfaces with Microsoft Azure.

  • IBM has decided to automate the different system testing modules using Node.js.

  • PayPal has also chosen Node.js as their web platform in order to manage high traffic volumes, improve server scalability, and enhance security.

  • Node.js was also used by Netflix to create a feature-rich single-page web application.

  • Uber's multifunctional distributed web architecture is built on Node.js.

How Node.js fulfills the objectives of IoT into applications?

When you talk about what makes Node.js a sure shot fit for IoT applications, you need to understand the below things to get your answers

Recently, the combination of IoT and Node.js made a lot of buzz, Node.js which is built on GGoogle’s V8 open source JavaScript engines is termed as the best platform to build modern, data-centric, real time applications.

Wearables, beacons, sensors, microsystems, and other programmable devices are essential to the Internet of Things. Devops, IoT devices seem to generate a lot of queries as they manage device-to-device contact.

It's vital to remember that Node.js is incredibly quick, which facilitates a quicker and smoother request-response cycle. The Node Packaged Modules (NPM) are outfitted with more sophisticated repositories to meet the demands of the Internet of Things, especially with the ideal backdrop of an IoT solution community.

The speedier and real-time execution is the primary benefit of utilizing Node.js in Internet of Things applications. It also uses less memory and produces smoother performance on the server side. Indeed, developers can design scalable, modern, and efficient applications using Node.js's low resource requirements and excellent support for APIs.

In order to attain a competitive edge in IoT application, using Node.js can help you build a high scalability, attractive UI/UX structure for the development. No matter if it is a consumer or a developer, Node.js is a perfect fit for all API-based IoT applications.

So, finally let us end the debate by understanding what makes Node.js a direct choice for IoT applications.

What makes Node.js a direct choice for IoT applications?

What makes Node.js a direct choice for IoT applications?.

Quick & Real time Execution

The primary reason for Node.js being a popular choice for IoT applications is due to how quickly it can be executed in real-time. IT consists of NPM, i.e. Node Packaged MModules which is easily compliant with all the IoT standards. Additionally. Googles’ V8 engine accelerates the execution by encoding data into native machine code. IoT apps’ integrated designs for Bluetooth sensors and devices is another benefit here.

Additionally, it can sync data quickly, which shortens the time needed for data transmission and receipt from the server and increases the power and responsiveness of devices connected to the Internet of Things. Developers opt to utilize NodeJS to create real-time IoT apps and systems that satisfy all business needs since data is always changing.

Integration with IoT protocols is easy

The Internet of Things depends on the backend integration procedure. The MQTT communication protocol, which makes use of WebSockets and is utilized by Internet of Things (IoT) programs to link remote devices, is fully supported by NodeJs. AWS IoT serves as an additional example of this kind of connectivity, securely managing and handling millions of communications.

Additionally, Node.js can be used to build IoT apps as it offers a secure framework for your application and it is simple to interface with other systems and offers a seamless experience for all users with third-party integration across multiple contexts and opens us endless market choices for your project.

Node.js modules makes IoT development simple & easy

The application is based on Internet of Things programs, which necessitate the usage of NodeRed, Node Package Manager (NPM), and many other necessary modules. Additionally, it offers over 80 packages, including Arduino, which is used for electrical prototyping and the development of interactive electronic devices, Raspberry Pi, and IoT Edison, which works to ascertain the needs of IoT devices.

Another advantage of NodeJS is that it requires less work from developers to complete IoT development tasks. Among these resources are the CPU and RAM, which prevent overloading and ensure the best possible applications. This is crucial for a business to stand out in the marketplace since, given the intense competition in the sector, your business apps must be distinctive to gain traction and a growing user base.

It consists of 30 packages which are suitable for various sensors, beacons and IoT development tools to ease up and speed up the development of IoT applications using Node.js IoT modules.

Scalable and Deployable

A complete, end-to-end application can be made more easily with NodeJS. It can assist in creating a distributed software system and provide cloud app features even without an Internet connection. It also provides the objects, systems, tools, and sensors needed for NodeJS to operate on ARM architecture. In addition, it supports a wide range of edge devices, including concentrators, routers, gateways, and many more.

Since NodeJS is portable and scalable, it may be used to create Internet of Things applications on any platform that supports Linux. This is something else you ought to know. For example, an 8GB RAM smartphone can only manage 4,000 connections at once. Nevertheless, the same smartphone may manage a million connections simultaneously when it is used with Node.js.

Effectively manage and protect data

Node.js is the ebay option to handle and protect data with all ease and effectiveness, which impacts and encourages developers to use it in IoT projects. Moreover, it also manages a large number of queries generated by IoT-integrated devices like wearable and sensors.

Further Node.js doesn’t require you to cache and thus it allows developers to simply interact with stream instances to develop stream apps which can help users quickly stream data towards their destination.

An IoT-integrated app development should includesecurity, which is based on three main elements, that are precise code design, user access for distinct tasks and user identification and its verification.

When security is an issue, NodeJS is well renowned for offering sophisticated, safe, scalable, and data-driven programs. You can use this framework to create data-intensive, real-time Internet of Things applications.

Event Driven & Open Source

Again, NodeJS is a great option for building intricate and real-time Internet of Things applications because it is an open-source framework that includes io.js, which is also open-source and integrates with the NPM ecosystem. We already know how important NPM is when using NodeJS to create Internet of Things applications.

The fact that NodeJS is event-driven and that its moniker, "non-blocking I/O," alludes to its capacity to facilitate intense I/O operations and create scalable, efficient, and dependable Internet of Things applications, is another reason to utilize it.

Now, after knowing why using Node.js for IoT web apps can be a better option let us understand what are some other Web apps that are flourishing with Node.js

Other Web Apps that are flourishing with Node.js?

Other Web Apps that are flourishing with Node.js?.

Real-time Chat Apps

Node.js enable developers to create and build real-time network applications, from instant messaging to intricate chat platforms. Its  event based architecture and Websocket supports a seamless two-way communication between clients and servers.

Single Page Apps (SPAs)

Node.js's asynchronous features and quick input/output (I/O) processing improve SPAs. Its data-driven methodology ensures seamless data flow between views and servers, making it the perfect backend for SPAs.

Microservices architecture

Node.js divides complex applications into manageable, modular components, which is a complement to microservices design. PayPal is a prime example of how this architecture improves scalability, maintainability, and efficiency.

Real-time collaboration tools

Real-time collaboration technologies such as video conferencing platforms and project management apps are made possible by Node.js. The event-driven architecture of Node.js is used by tech behemoths like Trello and Slack to create seamless user experiences.

Streaming Apps

Real-time data streams are the lifeblood of streaming apps, and Node.js handles them with ease. Its stream API enables effective data processing and guarantees quick client and server synchronization.

Now, let us compare Node.js with other server side platforms.

Node.js vs Other server side platforms

The following table explains the main distinctions between Node.js and other server-side platforms:

Platform

Language

Model

Performance

Node.js

JavaScript

Non-blocking I/O

Fast

PHP

PHP

Process-based

Moderate

Ruby on Rails

Ruby

Multi-thread

Moderate

Java

Java

Process-based

Fast

How can Acquaint Softtech help?

How can Acquaint Softtech help?.

Software development outsourcing and IT Staff augmentation are services offered by Acquaint Softtech, an IT outsourcing provider. As an official Laravel partner, we take great pride in using the Laravel framework to create innovative projects.

Acquaint Softtech is the best choice if your business needs to hire remote developers. Thanks to our accelerated onboarding process, developers can join your current team in 48 hours.

Because of our $15 hourly price, we are also the best choice for any software development job that is outsourced. We can assist you to hire MEAN stack developers, hire MERN stack developers, hire remote developers, and provide outsourced services for development to meet your demands for custom development.

Wrapping Up!

Node.js is efficient in various IoT applications due to its being real-time, scalable, and having a huge ecosystem of packages. Acquaint Softtech provides expert Node.js development services so that your IoT projects are certain to be powerful, effective, and business-need-specific.

FAQ

What makes Node.js suitable for IoT applications?

Node.js is ideal for IoT because of its real-time execution, scalability, extensive package ecosystem, and efficient data handling capabilities.

How does Node.js handle security for IoT applications?

Node.js supports TLS/SSL for secure data transmission and benefits from a robust ecosystem of security libraries and tools.

Can Node.js be used for CPU-intensive applications?

Node.js is not recommended for CPU-bound tasks due to its single-threaded nature, which does not efficiently utilize multi-core CPUs.

What are the main benefits of using Node.js for web applications?

Node.js offers fast development, high performance, scalability, and cross-platform support, making it highly effective for real-time and high-traffic applications.

How does Node.js compare to other server-side platforms in terms of performance?

Node.js provides fast performance due to its non-blocking I/O model, making it more efficient than many traditional process-based server-side platforms.

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Mukesh Ram

Founder and CEO, Acquaint Softtech

I love to make a difference. Thus, I started Acquaint Softtech with the vision of making developers easily accessible and affordable to all. Me and my beloved team have been fulfilling this vision for over 15 years now and will continue to get even bigger and better.

Table of Content
  • Introduction

  • What is Node.js

  • What are the features of Node.js?

  • What are the benefits of Node.js?

  • What are the disadvantages of Node.js?

  • Node.js: How it is gaining popularity to address needs of IoT

  • How Node.js fulfills the objectives of IoT into applications?

  • What makes Node.js a direct choice for IoT applications?

  • Other Web Apps that are flourishing with Node.js?

  • Node.js vs Other server side platforms

  • How can Acquaint Softtech help?

  • Wrapping Up!

  • FAQ

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