In the world of web development, nodejs is no longer a fringe technology—it has become a core part of modern backend systems. Built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, nodejs runs JavaScript outside the browser. Whether you’re developing APIs, real-time applications, or web tools, you’re likely already using nodes in some capacity.
But beyond the common uses, nodejs offers a variety of lesser-known features that many developers overlook. Let’s explore ten surprising facts you might not know.
1. nodejs Originated in 2009 but Rose to Fame Later
Ryan Dahl created nodejs in 2009. However, the tech community only began to adopt it widely a few years later. As more developers realized the value of using JavaScript for full-stack development, the popularity of nodejs soared. Today, companies like Netflix and PayPal rely on it heavily.
You can learn more about its origin from TechCrunch.
2. Single-Threaded but Efficient
Despite being single-threaded, nodejs isn’t slow. Its non-blocking, event-driven architecture allows it to handle many simultaneous operations without multiple threads. That makes it excellent for applications that require high concurrency and low latency.
Check out this explanation from Mozilla Developer Network for further details.
3. npm Powers the Ecosystem
The Node Package Manager (npm) is the world’s largest software registry. It features millions of open-source libraries that developers use daily. With npm, adding a new feature or solving a problem is often as simple as installing a package.
Want to compare popular npm packages? Visit npm Trends.
4. Ideal for Real-Time Applications
nodejs handles real-time applications better than many other platforms. Its event-driven model enables fast and efficient two-way communication, which is essential for apps like chat systems or live updates.
To implement real-time features, many developers use Socket.IO.
5. A Fit for IoT Development
nodejs goes beyond traditional web development. It’s lightweight and quick, making it a great fit for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Developers can use it to manage device communication, process data, and more.
Explore the IoT space more on IoT For All.
6. Powers Desktop Applications
Developers use nodejs and frameworks like Electron to build cross-platform desktop apps. Visual Studio Code, for example, runs on this stack. These tools allow JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to create native desktop experiences.
Learn more about Electron on Electron’s official website.
7. nodejs Has a Global Developer Community
Thousands of developers contribute to nodejs through forums, GitHub, and documentation. The community helps maintain the technology, build libraries, and solve bugs.
Need help with a code issue? You’ll probably find your answer on Stack Overflow.
8. Supports Microservices Architecture
More companies are shifting to microservices, and nodejs fits perfectly into this approach. It lets you break applications into smaller services that can be built, deployed, and scaled independently.
Curious about microservices? Check out Martin Fowler’s site.
9. Perfect for API Development
Many developers build RESTful and GraphQL APIs with nodejs. Libraries like Express and Fastify help streamline development. These tools create fast, secure, and flexible back-end services.
New to API development? Browse tutorials on DigitalOcean.
10. It’s Always Evolving
nodejs evolves with the industry. Its ecosystem regularly introduces new updates, security features, and performance boosts. Developers also see better TypeScript integration and tooling improvements each year.
To stay updated, visit the Node.js Blog.
Final Thoughts
nodejs continues to revolutionize backend development. From building scalable microservices to running desktop and IoT apps, its potential is vast. As developers, staying informed about these lesser-known facts helps us unlock the full power of this technology.
So whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned expert, there’s always something new to learn about nodejs—now you know ten things most people don’t!
