Gone are those days when enterprises such as mobile app and website development companies were tied with limited programming language and framework options while developing real-time applications. But now, with each technological and data structure and algorithms advancements, they are filled with multiple possibilities which have opened the development doors to build cutting-edge real-time application development with smooth functionalities and features.
Out of many, the most preferred and highly adopted platform that many real-time application development companies are using is Node.js. Globally, around 98% of fortune 500 companies build real-time applications using Node.js to develop and maintain highly scalable real-time applications.
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform-specific, back-end, server-side, JavaScript-based framework that developers use to build real-time applications. It has an extensive developer support community and comes with a simple learning curve.
This blog will brief you about the use cases of Node.js, its architecture, and the essential components that make it the most suitable real-time application development platform of all.
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Node.js Architecture for Real-time Apps
The sheer dominance of Node.js in the real-time app development segment is because of its event-driven and asynchronous nature. These two prospects of Node.js bring scalability and improve the performance of real-time applications avoiding technological error.
Real-time applications are developed using Node.js use single-threaded event loop model architecture to handle multiple client requests simultaneously.
Some of the notable advantages of single-threaded event loop model architecture;
- No hassle upon handling multiple clients simultaneously
- The single-thread event loop helps Node.js get concurrency and synchronism characteristics.
- The event loop thread can easily handle numerous client requests, and there is no need to create a separate loop for separate requests.
The primary thought process behind this single-thread event loop architecture adoption in Node.js real-time apps is its capabilities to minimize the system’s workload by handling all client-based requests under the “one-thread per request” module.
Socket.iO & Its Use Cases
All Node.js developers are well aware of Socket.iO and its use cases. It’s one of the prominent Node.js modules that smoothly handle the client and constant server-side communication, allowing the server to bring real-time updates quickly.
The Socket.iO consists of two parts:
- The client-side library, which runs in the browser
- The server-side library enables real-time bi-directional event-based communication.
The Socket.iO is easy to implement on any operating system based on real-time applications.
Socket.iO Use Cases For Real-time Applications Using Node.js
Chatting Apps
WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and many other chatting applications are the sheer example. You can text/chat with someone in real-time and share images and videos here. All this happens quickly because of the Socket. iO.
The Socket.iO module first receives the data from your side, then informs the user (the person you are texting/forwarding files), and follows the same procedure from the user end. It happened quickly and made us feel like real-time chatting.
Video Conference App
Like the chatting apps, Socket.iO is vastly used to develop video conferencing apps. But, here, the architecture is a bit different.
Instead of directly operating, the Socklet.iO sends the videos to the servers in short streaming. When the server receives the last chunks of the video, it gathers the bits and makes it a complete video and poetry to the viewers as a whole.
You might have experienced video buffering with poor internet connections. The buffering of the video is because of the above procedures.
Multiplayer Gaming Applications
In multiplayer gaming application, the data load always remains high, and the data sharing between the client and server side happen quickly, which the Socket.iO library handles efficiently.
The Socket.iO functionalities are designed in such a way that it receives multiple calls to action data at once. Still, it shares only with relevant gamer profiles, providing them with a hassle-free gaming experience.
Why is Node.js Preferred Among Other Platforms to Build Real-Time Applications?
One of the prominent reasons for the massive adoption of Node.js as the primary real-time app development platform is its single-threaded event loop architecture. Apart from that, Node.jS is;
Easy to Scale – Developing a real-time app that can simultaneously handle multiple threads and activities. But, Node.js has that standard solution that gathers all the information and distributes it with relevant traffic while maintaining the balance between the connection.
This approach from Node.js is called load balancing. Node.js can also handle high-volume requests due to its asynchronous I/O method.
Efficient Data Streaming – We have already mentioned how Node.js leverages video conferencing and streaming platforms with its fast-forward architecture. The Node.js handles I/O requests efficiently and forward a small part of the videos to the server rather than a massive file.
It fastens the server side’s streaming process and gives viewers the desired video streaming experience.
Single Codebase – It is well-known to all Node.js developers that Node.js is a cross-platform-specific JavaScript-based server-side platform. Like all cross-platform frameworks, it comes with a single code for both the client and server sides.
The single codebase methodologies allow developers to save code writing and execution time as they don’t have to write code separately.
Lowers Response Time – The single-threaded event loop model of Node.js operates faster and automatically enables the page loading time. Also, it helps in the more rapid handling of concurrent user requests without creating multiple threads.
Common Features to Consider While Building Real-Time Applications Using Node.js
Many enterprises and business giants, such as WhatsApp, Slack, Uber, Zomato, and Netflix, are built using real-time functionalities and configurations. Over the years, they have maintained the smooth functioning of their service and continue to improve with the latest features inclusion.
If you want to build real-time applications using Node.js with the same capabilities as the above apps, you must consider adding the following features.
Real-Time Communication
This one is a standard and essential feature you need to have at any cost. Real-time communication such as chat boxes can minimize your customer and support team distance.
Also, using the real-time chatting box, they can communicate, complain, and get feedback in a fraction of a second, enhancing your brand’s performance.
Notification
Notify people about your new Add-ons such as products, videos, audio, and extra features to give them the latest update regarding your brand and its daily functionalities. You can choose;
- In-App Notification appears within the applications, and users have to open it by themselves.
- Push Notification seems outside the application and appears time by time as a reminder to users.
Both did the same job and added benefits to your brand.
Multi-User Collaboration
These features have saved many individuals and organizations ample time. Sheer example of multi-user collaboration is Google docs, project management tools, support systems, etc.
The functionality here is simple. The real-time data instantly send the changes to requests by the users to another user, and the user responds accordingly. All quickly and straightforwardly!
Live Data Streaming
You must have used or seen the share market apps traders trade using live data streaming, cab sharing, retail inventory management, and multiplayer gaming apps.
These apps are enabled with live data streaming features that give users live updates of their activities with real-time data.
Live Food Order Status
The live food order status has demolished the gap between restaurant/hotel owners and consumers.
It’s a great add-ons that builds trust and gives authentic reviews and feedback that will help boost your business accordingly.
Real-Time Data Analytics
This is a must-have feature in all aspects of the business. You will get real-time data updates when you enter the dataset and prepare your strategy based on the data.
Real-Time Feed
You all use social media, aren’t you? If yes, you must know the term feed where you get accurate updates of your subscribed community, groups, and category every time you refresh your social media apps.
Examples of Real-Time Applications With Node.js
The list of examples of real-time applications with Node.js is quite long. Many renowned and well-established companies, such as Paypal, Netflix, Airbnb, Uber, LinkedIn, and Walmart, have built on it.
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most extensive payment systems worldwide that allows users to transact online in 100 different currencies.
When a payment gateway system targets to cover all language and currency functionalities, it’s evident that it will adopt such technology and core architecture that can make the transaction process hassle-free.
Paypal then started using Node.js by replacing Java to manage its consumer-facing side for its web application. As a result, the PayPal app’s functionalities rise two times faster than usual.
Uber
Uber needed a massive system architecture where it could efficiently operate its on-demand cab service to users. And, Node.js has components and modules that can quickly function those cab booking and receiving requests in real time.
That’s why Uber went for Node.js in the first place to create a reliable cab booking system. Now, Uber can process over 2 million remote procedures without any malfunction in the system.
Netflix
We all know the popularity and dominance of Netflix in the online video streaming category over the last couple of years. But, one thing we didn’t know was that the entire Netflix components and system architecture were developed using Node. jS.
Earlier, it was Java on the server side and JavaScript on the front side, making developers write different codes for each update.
But, As Node.js is cross-platform specific with a single codebase, writing separate code concepts no longer exists for its developers. Meanwhile, viewers get a clear and hassle-free online streaming experience.
The Bottom Line
Now that you have come across much vital information regarding real-time applications and Node.js, you must be feeling excited to start a real-time project using Node. jS. If so, then we are ready to assist you throughout your real-time app development process.
We at Metizsoft Solutions Private Limited are a renowned Node.js Development Company, providing highly scalable solutions to enterprises and individuals. You can hire Node.js developers for your next project!
