8 Best Node.js libraries you should know in 2023 Sujeet Pillai November 25, 2022

What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source runtime platform for developing server-side web applications using JavaScript. Node.js is created using the cross-platform Python utility GYP (Generate Your Project). Other build phases are also implemented using Python. As a result, Python mandates that you construct Node.js from the source. Real-time online applications, social media applications, teamwork tools, multiplayer games, and API are ideally suited for Node.js. One of the most well-liked frameworks for building web servers is Node.js. Due to its versatility, it is frequently referred to as “The Swiss Army Knife of Programming Languages.

 

What is a Node.js library?

A Node.js library is a repository of pre-written JavaScript code that can perform a particular task or set of functions. This can include working with HTTP requests, the file system, or creating server-side applications. Node.js libraries are typically installed using the npm package manager, which comes bundled with the Node.js installation. These libraries can be used in your Node.js applications to save time and make development easier.

 

8 Node.js libraries to know in 2023 are-

1. Hapi.js

Hapi.js (HTTP-API) is an open-source Node.js library for developing powerful and scalable web applications. Hapi is commonly used to create API servers, HTTP-proxy applications, and websites. It includes many unique features that allow developers to create secure, powerful, and high-powered applications. Hapi also prevents error messages from leaking information or echoing back exploits. Many businesses, including PayPal, Brainhub, and Beam, use Hapi.js framework for their websites and online APIs.

2. Async.js

Async.js is one of the best JavaScript backend libraries available to developers. It ensures the removal of render-blocking JavaScript and improves your web page performance. Async.js has functions for working with asynchronous JavaScript code. Asynchronous code is non-blocking, meaning that it does not stop the execution of other code while it is running. This is important in JavaScript because it allows your code to run more efficiently without getting bogged down by long-running operations. Moreover, it has several utility functions for working with asynchronous code, including managing control flow, working with collections, and creating asynchronous versions of common JavaScript functions. It can be used in browsers and on a server-side with Node.js.

3. Request

The Request JavaScript library provides a safe and dependable way for apps to access content from external sources by making HTTP calls. Data is obtained from external sources, including websites. It provides a simple interface for sending HTTP requests and receiving responses. This can be useful for accessing web APIs, sending data to a server, or making requests to other websites. The Request library is easy to use and flexible, allowing you to customize and handle the response in various ways. It can be installed using the npm package manager and is commonly used in Node.js applications requiring HTTP requests.

4. Socket.io 

Socket.io is a node.js library that allows client and server interaction in a low-latency, bidirectional, and event-based manner. It works on any platform, browser, or device, with equal emphasis on dependability and speed. Socket.io is built on the WebSockets API and Node.js. It is the most widely used library on npm (Node Package Manager). 

5. Express.js

Express.js is a Node.js-based open-source web application framework. It provides a simple API for creating robust, scalable, and maintainable web applications. Express has earned a reputation as the library with the most flexible and minimalist Node.js web framework. This library stands out because it performs as a speedy, unopinionated, minimalist web framework. With a simple and extensible framework that offers a number of popular utilities, Express will offer the finest assistance.

6. Passport.js

Passport is an authentication middleware and one of the best libraries for Node developers. It is adaptable, modular, and it turns out to be an Express-based web application. It provides a simple and flexible way to authenticate users in your web application. Passport supports many authentication strategies, including OAuth, OpenID, and LDAP. It can be used with different web frameworks, including Express and Connect. Passport makes it easy to implement authentication to your Node.js application, allowing you to focus on building the core functionality of your app. It can be installed using the npm package manager and is typically used in conjunction with other Node.js libraries and frameworks.

7. Ethers.js

Ethers.js is a JavaScript library for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and its ecosystem. It is a complete, simple, and secure library for building Ethereum-powered applications. Ethers.js provides a clean, powerful, and easy-to-use API for working with Ethereum, including support for smart contracts, wallets, transactions, and more. It is flexible and extensible, allowing you to build a wide variety of Ethereum-based applications. Ethers.js can be installed using the npm package manager and is commonly used in Node.js applications that need to interact with the Ethereum blockchain.

8. Mongoose.js

Mongoose.js is a popular JavaScript library for working with MongoDB, a popular NoSQL database. MongoDB is a document-oriented database, which means it stores data in documents that have a flexible schema. Mongoose.js provides a straightforward, schema-based solution to model your application data. It includes built-in type casting, query building, validation, business logic hooks, and more. This makes it easy to work with data in your MongoDB database from your Node.js application. Mongoose.js can be installed using the npm package manager and is commonly used in Node.js applications that use MongoDB.

 

Did you know?

  • Node.js is essentially a server that can run Javascript.
  • It provides event-driven APIs
  • Node.js is non-blocking, and it runs code asynchronously by default.

 

In a nutshell:

Node.js is the preferred framework for Node developers for enterprise applications and infrastructure. Each of the libraries mentioned above has proven useful at Incentius. Our development team has worked with Node.js libraries to develop various applications and found them handy to use. 

Types of Software Developers- Do you have trouble deciding the one you need? Sujeet Pillai November 23, 2022

You do not need to be a programmer or a developer to implement digital transformation in your existing business or to introduce a new startup. You may always hire professionals. The trouble is, how do you know who to look for? Let’s have a look.

Software Engineers and Software Developers are not the same!

We understand that it is hard to digest but yes, Software Engineer ? Software Developer! Let us dive deeper into this. 

A software engineer creates tools for developing software using components from a hardware system and tends to tackle problems on a large scale. A software developer, on the other hand, creates software that works on a variety of machines, utilizing pre-built tools to create apps and complete projects. The work of a software engineer is sometimes a highly collaborative activity that necessitates cooperation abilities. The position of a software developer is typically more solitary, allowing them to apply many of the same abilities as their engineering counterparts on a smaller scale.

First thing first, you do not require a software engineer!

Need for Software Developers- What do Developers do?

Consider our contemporary way of life: we’re constantly staring at little and large screens, then pausing to gaze at even larger screens. As long as people are wondering about or want the next better thing, the demand for software developers will continue to rise.

So, what is the role of a software developer? The software developer is the major weapon in the battlefield of innovation and software-based digital transformation. Software is being integrated into the distinctive value offerings of businesses that are digitally changing. As a result of this integration, the organization has begun to become more technology-driven. A developer is a software architect who ensures that the application or web works correctly, is secure, can withstand the test of time, and is easily upgraded and adaptable, just like a “conventional” architect does with a building.

Today, the software is so deeply embedded in our daily lives that the relationship you have with your customers is frequently directly related to the effectiveness of your business operations or, more importantly, the experience your customers have. This emphasis on the developer also entails greater accountability for software quality and implementation.

Common Types of Software Developers you might need

Different developers with much the same tech stacks are unlikely to be able to apply their skills and experience in different areas nowadays. It’s the equivalent of asking your mobile developer to work on a game. He may be familiar with the technologies, but he is not a game developer. As a result, there is a significant difference in developer types.

1 – Mobile App Developer

A mobile developer is familiar with the technicalities of mobile operating systems like iOS and Android, as well as the development environment and frameworks that are used to produce applications for them. Flutter, React Native, Ionic, Quasar are all examples of this. Mobile developers build apps for smartphones such as educational apps (for learning languages, reading enthusiasts, sports fans, and so on), online shopping apps, and so on. Mobile developers work closely with designers, QA engineers, and DevOps specialists in their jobs. Of course, mobile app developers will create your software, which we may use on our Android or iOS devices. As a result, these developers may have expertise in one or both of these platforms.

2 – Web Developer

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, web development became a popular way to break into the software development industry. Web developers are software developers with a focus on website development. There are three types of web developers: front-end, back-end, and full-stack. Front-end developers are in charge of the parts of the site that users see and interact with; back-end developers are in charge of the parts of the site that users don’t see. They tailor the webpage for each user by using algorithms. A full-stack developer is someone who works on both the front-end and back-end of a website. We will go through the full-stack developer in a separate category as well.

3 – Full-Stack Developer

Full stack developers straddle two independent web development domains: the front end and the back end. Full stack technologies refers to the entire depth of a computer application. To put it another way, full stack developers are the development world’s Swiss military weapons. Full stack developers are well-versed in both front end and back end development. These smart professionals can smoothly switch from one development environment to the next since they are experts in many programming languages.

DevOps Engineer

These are Engineers who are familiar with the technologies and tools used to create, deploy, and integrate systems, as well as manage backend software. To simplify the term, backend developers build products, whereas DevOps can design, deploy, and monitor those same apps. To explain the process, consider the following: A programmer (developer) builds apps. Applications are deployed, managed, and monitored by operations. DevOps both devops and deploys, manages, and monitors applications. DevOps involves knowledge of tools like Kubernetes, Docker, Apache Mesos, Jenkins, and the HashiCorp stack, among other things.

Identifying the type of software developer your business needs

You’ve now learned about a few different kinds of software developers. It’s possible that their development environments will collide or not. There are many distinct kinds of software developer responsibilities in various technical functions, and there is currently no globally approved taxonomy, terminology, or industry glossary. The functions of a job description and knowledge of abilities can vary from one company to the next. It is, nevertheless, necessary to learn the specifics of each sort of software developer. Knowing the most typical sorts of software developers will help you bridge the gap between your company’s growth and your knowledge of software development. It’s critical to conduct research and gain information about company operations before beginning or expanding any business enterprise. This will help you see where they intersect and where they diverge. You will be better prepared to hire software developers for your next project if you have a thorough understanding of each sort of software developer.

We, at Incentius, are happy to listen to your doubts regarding Product Development. Have a certain service or idea in mind, or simply want to talk about what’s possible? We’d be delighted to help. Contact us.