Why choose Node.js for your project
The ecosystem of Node.js allows businesses to achieve the desired results with fewer resources used compared to other programming approaches. Partnering with Binary Studio, you can enjoy the following advantages of Node.js:
Powerful architecture
Node.js is capable of processing lots of real-time requests and enables flexible scaling of individual parts of the software. While the list of use cases is endless, Node.js is especially beneficial for event-based and high-traffic apps.
Full-stack development
Given that Node.js is used in both frontend and backend, you’ll need fewer specialists than with other approaches. With full-stack Node.js engineers, you can have a holistic view of the process and easily manage it.
Native AWS support
It’s easy to utilize Node.js with AWS tools, which makes it a perfect choice for products reliant on cloud hosting.
Effective prototyping
Being quick and allowing for easy experimentation, Node.js is a great choice for validating your concept and creating a valid prototype on a budget.
Development speed
The Node.js technology not only allows for fast apps, but is also fast in development. Engineers can work on multiple parts of software at the same time, scaling each individually.
Dedicated community
When hiring Node.js developers, you’re accessing an active community of passionate engineers who are keeping up with the latest trends and tools.
Skills required for Node.js developers
Whether you want to be involved in the screening process and interview engineers, or you just want to have a clear picture of what abilities are necessary in this field of development, here are the essential skills that Node.js developers should have:
Profound knowledge of JavaScript and Node.js
Node.js has some particularities that every developer should understand:
- Asynchronous programming. The concept of asynchronous programming is not unique to Node.js, but it’s crucial to understand how it works within this particular technology. Engineers should know how to handle the event loop, non-blocking, and parallel execution that help manage multiple tasks at once.
- Streams. Streams help manage data efficiently, and it’s important for an engineer to understand how to work with readable and writable streams and how to connect them with pipelines.
- Events and callbacks. Events and callbacks allow developers to effectively manage different tasks and get notified when certain things are done.
- NPM packages. Node Package Management gives programmers extra tools that help speed up the development process.
- Modules. One of the greatest things about Node.js is that it allows having reusable code. With modules, developers can organize their code into manageable blocks and easily use them in different parts of the software.
- Built-in modules. Node.js has a lot of core modules that facilitate handling events, working with files, and more. Checking how well a developer knows Node.js core functionality tells a lot about their proficiency in this technology.
Expertise in different frameworks
Node.js offers a rich ecosystem with lots of frameworks designed to facilitate certain parts of development. The most popular Node.js frameworks include:
- Express.js is a standard server framework for Node that lets build web or mobile apps and APIs
- Nest.js simplifies backend development of enterprise-level applications
- Meteor.js is helpful for building prototypes of connected-client solutions
- Sails.js is suitable for data-driven and scalable apps while resembling the MVC architecture
- Hapi.js allows building API servers and websites with reusable application logic
- Koa.js is a relatively new framework that improves error handling in Node Naturally, this list is non-exhaustive. It’s important to ask which frameworks Node.js developers have used in which context to see if they understand the benefits and limitations of those frameworks in different development scenarios.
Knowledge of different databases
Since Node.js is often used for software solutions that handle large volumes of data, Node.js developers should have experience with integrating different types of databases. An engineer should know how to integrate a database, optimize it, protect access to data, migrate data, and cache frequently accessed data.
The major types of databases at work in Node.js projects are:
- Relational databases. Tools like MySQL and PostgreSQL store data in schemas.
- NoSQL databases. These tools store data in various formats, and the popular choice can be MongoDB and Redis.
- Real-time databases. Tools like Firebase allow for real-time synchronization of data. When interviewing Node.js developers, it’s important to check not only their experience with different types of databases but also their understanding of which type to use for what purposes. For instance, developers should evaluate the factors of compatibility with Node.js frameworks, the types of data and data queries that will be performed in the app, and the scalability and security issues.
Expertise in cloud infrastructure
If you’re looking to develop a cloud-based solution, ask Node.js developers about their experience with cloud services. For instance, Binary Studio is a certified Microsoft partner, and our developers are experts in Azure tools. We can also work with other cloud solutions, be it AWS, Google Cloud, or anything else.
Understanding of security practices
Keeping applications safe is an absolute must regardless of the tech stack. In the case of Node.js, an experienced developer should know how to set up protective barriers, use placeholders to keep bad data out when integrating databases, limit data requests, encrypt data, and so on.
Unit test experience
Node.js developers normally test the quality of their code, and unit testing allows them to check individual components of the solution they’re building. Engineers should be able to write and execute unit tests, as well as be familiar with testing frameworks like Mocha, Chai, AVA, or Jest. You can ask how Node.js developers write and run different tests, as well as learn what they do manually and what they automate to facilitate the process.
Soft skills
It’s also crucial to check how well Node.js developers communicate, how they approach problems, and how they work in a team. If you’re integrating Node.js developers into your internal team, you might want to check the cultural fit, language proficiency, and other things that will impact your day-to-day collaboration.
Naturally, requirements grow along with the developer’s seniority. For instance, Senior Node.js developers should not only have experience with all we’ve mentioned but also have a deep understanding of how to build the best-fitting architecture, what security vulnerabilities might arise, how databases can be optimized, and so on.
_Note that you don’t need to know all the details of Node.js and the tools used in this environment in order to hire the best Node.js developers. You can trust an outsourcing provider who will find the best candidates according to your project’s needs. _
Looking for reliable developers with particular expertise? Set up your team with the best developers well-versed in Node.js
