A Deep Dive Into the JavaScript Runtime Engine

The JavaScript runtime environment is the infrastructure upon which JavaScript codes run and interacts with the surroundings. It includes a variety of components and elements that allow the easy execution of JavaScript code. However, browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox have their own runtime environment tailored to their specific functionalities. Likewise, Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment especially designed for server-side execution. 

This particular difference makes sure that JavaScript code behaves the same in different runtime environments while taking advantage of the platform-specific features. By having a deep knowledge of the unique runtime environments of different browsers and Node.js, you can adjust your code accordingly to maximize the performance of an application.

What is Node.js JavaScript runtime?

Node.js is a cross-platform, open-source JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to run JavaScript code outside the browser (server-side). 

Built on Google’s V8 JS engine, it provides a safe environment for the execution of JS code directly on your device. 

Why is NodeJS preferred?

Node.js is the go-to choice when it comes to the JavaScript runtime environment for web development– and for all the good reasons! 

1) JavaScript’s Omnipresence 

Node.js gives the flexibility to use JavaScript on both the frontend and backend of an application, which leads to 

• Code reuse between the client and the server
• Easier collaboration between frontend and backend teams
• Quicker development process

2) Asynchronous Architecture 

Node.js uses a non-blocking, asynchronous architecture, allowing it to handle multiple tasks at once. This is especially helpful in environments where you want to develop highly efficient applications that have to deal with heavy operations, including APIs, databases, and file systems. Unlike traditional architectures found in PHP or Ruby, Node.js starts a new task without waiting for the previous one to complete.

3) Real-time Capabilities 

Node.js is a perfect choice for building real-time applications like online gaming, weather apps, live streaming apps, chat apps, etc. The asynchronous architecture and WebSocket support make it appropriate for handling bi-directional communication between the client and the server. 

4) Strong Community Support

Node.js supports a huge developer community in which you can find regular updates, guides, and information around Node.js. Also, the community is backed by major tech companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, and Netflix, ensuring a consistent stream of frameworks and tools. 

You can hire NodeJS developers by making professional connections on LinkedIn and getting recommendations from there. 

5) Microservices and Serverless Architecture 

As we can already see the new technologies “microservices” and “serverless computing” are rising high in the tech world, Node.js integrates these perfectly well due to its lightweight nature, custom web development, and ease of deployment. 

6) High Performance with V8 Engine 

Node.js is smartly built on Google’s V8 engine, which compiles JavaScript to native machine code. And because of this, developers can get help in delivering exceptionally high-performing applications for heavy incoming traffic. 

Why do we use NodeJS in react native?

Node.js is used in React Native, particularly as a runtime environment and a package manager. However, it is not used directly for the app’s functionality. 

• Node.js enables JavaScript code to run outside a web browser, which is crucial in React Native development services because it uses JavaScript to build mobile apps. 
• Node.js comes with a Node Package Manager, which enables a developer to access a wide variety of tools, React Native libraries and dependencies so as not to become fully dependent on third-party libraries to develop an application.
• Node.js comes with a local development server that allows you to preview your app in real-time while coding. This server can handle the code changes and update them on your device or emulator. 
• Node.js can combine React Native code using tools like Metro. You can club all your JavaScript files, dependencies, assets, etc., into a single file to deploy on a mobile device.

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Is NodeJS good for enterprise applications?

According to a Node.js user survey, “approximately 43% of programmers use Node.js to develop enterprise-level applications”. 

• With Node.js, developers have the freedom to write code in different languages for different sections of the app at the same time. 
• Due to the microservices architecture of Node.js, many tech companies prefer to use it to produce tiny units that combine into a large application (enterprise level). 
• Due to Node.js’s asynchronous nature, it can handle multiple requests parallel with minimum resources at hand. This is especially helpful in developing enterprise applications as it saves the cost of investing in costly servers. 
• Node.js is based fully on JavaScript’s model, making it ideal for managing an application’s frontend and backend effortlessly. That’s why enterprise-level applications work well with Node.js. 
• Node.js has a Node Package Manager (npm), which is the epitome of freedom for developers. With the largest number of available third-party modules and libraries, this reduces dependency while making Node.js suitable for developing enterprise-level applications. 
• When you develop enterprise applications, you rely on Node.js using a callback function and an event loop to perform non-blocking I/O operations, even though it is single-threaded JavaScript.
• Node.js can also leverage the JSON format, which is highly popular and widely recognized as a substitute for Java. So again, this makes Node.js a perfect option for developing enterprise applications. 
• As Node.js is based on JavaScript entirely, there is no need to hire frontend and backend developers separately. Developers who are working on Node.js can also find themselves comfortable working on Angular and React. This further enables enterprises to develop a team of full-stack developers who are more competent to tackle bugs during the development process. 
• With Node.js, your application can scale in all sorts of dimensions. Vertically, horizontally, and anywhere. You can also add additional nodes to the existing system. So when it comes to scalability, Node.js is not an issue at all. 
• Node.js employs reusable RESTful APIs, which makes it one of the most suitable platforms for the development of enterprise-level apps. APIs help in keeping everything efficient and as lightweight as possible to manage huge volumes of data, which is a must-have in an enterprise application. 
• Node.js has an event-driven architecture with a server-side environment that helps developers create agile and secure backend applications. That also allows Node.js to develop enterprise applications. 
• Innovation and rapid deployment are two significant traits that any organization wants in an application. However, such situations demand an almost instant response to the end user feedback, and Node.js allows you to effortlessly receive this feedback to your web app and update the required changes. 
• With the open-source nature of Node.js, developers leverage the benefits of caching a single module. So whenever someone requests the first module, automatic caching happens. This feature allows developers to load web pages faster as they don’t need to re-execute code.

Major enterprise applications built on Node.js today are: 

• Medium
• Netflix
• Trello
• Uber
• PayPal
• Amazon
• LinkedIn

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the JavaScript runtime engine is a system consisting of several essential components that work together to contribute towards a seamless execution of JavaScript code. The powerful engine of JavaScript serves as the base ideal for developing a single-threaded execution environment with features like a call stack and a heap for storing data. 

On the other hand, web APIs extend the functionalities of JavaScript by handling multiple tasks concurrently. You can combine the micro tasks to create an enterprise-level application. Also, the event loop, acting as the conductor, continuously monitors the state of the call stack and ensures that the tasks are executed easily. 

So overall, understanding the JavaScript runtime environment is critical for developing scalable and high-performing applications. However, if you feel stuck somewhere, taking help from a Node.js web development company is the best option. We are a leading company, operating from India, while serving in different countries and delivering the best IT solutions for years. Contact us today and get your project delivered.