Node.js enables developers to use JavaScript on the server side, allowing for the creation of dynamic web applications. It is event-driven and designed for building fast, lightweight applications.
Key features
- Cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment
- Non-blocking I/O model for high performance
- Large ecosystem of open-source libraries
- Robust support for real-time applications
- Compatible with various frameworks and tools
Pros
- High performance for I/O intensive tasks
- Large community and extensive documentation
- Single language for both client and server development
- Active development and frequent updates
Cons
- Not suitable for CPU-intensive tasks
- Callback hell can complicate code structure
- Asynchronous programming can have a steep learning curve