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Node.js Introduction

Where is it from

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to build server-side applications using JavaScript. It was initially released in 2009 by Ryan Dahl and has since become a popular platform for building scalable network applications.

Main Point

One of the main advantages of Node.js is its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, which allows it to handle a large number of concurrent connections and requests with minimal resources. This makes it well-suited for building real-time applications, such as chat applications or online gaming platforms.

How does it run

Node.js is built on the V8 JavaScript engine, which is also used by the Google Chrome browser. It provides a rich set of built-in modules for working with file systems, networking, and other system-level tasks, as well as a large and active ecosystem of third-party modules that can be easily installed using the Node Package Manager (NPM).

Node.js is commonly used for building web servers, APIs, and microservices, as well as for building desktop and mobile applications using popular frameworks such as Electron and React Native. It can also be used for building command-line tools and scripts.Some popular companies and services that use Node.js include Netflix, LinkedIn, Uber, and PayPal.

Summary

Overall, Node.js is a powerful and versatile platform for building server-side applications using JavaScript. Its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model and rich set of built-in modules make it well-suited for building scalable, real-time applications, while its large and active ecosystem of third-party modules makes it easy to extend and customize.