What is Node.js?

• Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows you to execute JavaScript code outside the browser.
• It is built on Google Chrome’s V8 engine, which compiles JavaScript directly to machine code.
• Unlike traditional JavaScript that runs in the browser, Node.js runs on the server, making it possible to build backend applications with JavaScript.

Why Use Node.js?

Key Advantages:

1. Asynchronous & Non-blocking
   • Uses an event-driven model, meaning it does not wait for one task to complete before starting another.
   • Ideal for real-time applications like chat applications, live notifications, and streaming.
2. Single Programming Language
   • JavaScript is used for both frontend (React, Angular, Vue) and backend (Node.js).
   • No need to learn multiple languages like PHP, Python, or Java for backend development.
3. High Performance
   • The V8 engine compiles JavaScript to machine code, making execution faster.
   • Uses an event loop instead of traditional threads, handling multiple requests efficiently.
4. Scalability
   • Handles a large number of simultaneous connections efficiently.
   • Suitable for microservices and API-driven architectures.
5. Large Ecosystem (NPM)
   • Comes with Node Package Manager (NPM), which provides access to thousands of reusable modules.