What is Node.js?
Designed to build scalable network applications, Node is an open-source platform that is taking the software development world by storm. Node allows developers to make real time changes to the script, and run scripts on the server-side. This allows dynamic content creation on web pages and changes are visible in real-time.
Sounds interesting, how does it work?
The simple answer is, there are no dead-locks in the process. None of the functions in Node directly perform I/O, so nothing gets blocked and makes the development of scalable systems possible.
Modern concurrency models employ OS threads. However, thread-based networking is cumbersome and very tough to use. This is where Node.js is different. It is influenced by Ruby’s EventMachine or Python’s Twisted with some enhancements to the event model. The event loop here is a runtime construct and not a library. Unlike in other systems, where the event loop is started through a blocking call, the Node.js has no such ‘start the event’ loop call. Node enters the loop once the input script is executed and exits after confirming that there are no other callbacks to perform.
What is it useful for?
This behavior of Node.js is like a normal browser JavaScript — the event loop is hidden from the user. This makes it easy for developers to use Node.js and develop network applications, command line tools, web api, web applications and a wide variety of other applications.
Is it useful for me?
It useful for you, if you:
- Are looking to launch Node applications or seek a career as a Node developer
- Get trained in modern server-side web development and apply it to apps /apis
- Want to build scalable backend applications using Node.js
- Aspire for a career in backend Web Application development
Oh, it is suitable for me! But between my work and life, I don’t have the time to study…
This is a universal problem and one faced by almost every single professional. Hence it is not a surprise that this is the number one reason why many people try and put off learning until a further date and in most cases that day never comes. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Almost all the online tutors realise that no one has the time, in this day and age, to spend hours and days learning. As a matter of fact, there is an entire multi-million dollar industry addressing the very same issue. There are now available hundreds of online courses designed to give you the maximum benefit in the shortest number of days and from the comfort of your own home. Most of the Node JS training workshops have been crafted to provide you with holistic knowledge base of the software with both traditional theory-based classes as well as hours of practical hands-on learning of the software.
Okay, so where can I learn it?
A quick search for online Node JS courses should bring them up. You can find hundreds of websites offering classes catering those who are planning to get the certification. However, it is advisable to try and do it at one of the more renowned knowledge providers.Â
What should I be looking for?
See what the curriculum offered is and whether it is in line with what you’re looking for. Check who the trainers are. Ideally, it should be conducted by industry experts who will be able to guide you from the very basic to the most advanced level and be able to clear all your doubts and queries. It’s obviously not easy to identify them, but most of the leading online learning providers will have tutors who are among the best in their field and with the right course, you will be in no time ready to start using Node.js.
It’s probably going to cost me a lot of money, is it worth it?
If you planning to do the course, it makes sense to do it from a place that is widely recognized by recruiters from around the world. Your best bet would be one of the the many global leaders in online training and certification who offer courses across a wide spectrum of skills, experienced in imparting knowledge online and those which can easily be recognized by experts across the globe. More than just learning, it will be an added feature on your resume and by doing the course in one of the better organizations, you are setting yourself up for success. With hours of practical, hands on learning along with the theoretical knowledge, you will be able to hit the ground running with Node.js.
