Articles

Node.js: what it is and how we use it

Node.js lets you write the server side of an application in JavaScript. It handles APIs, form processing and connections to databases and other systems.

1. How it works

Node.js lets you run JavaScript outside the browser, on a server. It suits APIs, form processing, scheduled jobs and connecting systems. It uses the same language as the front end, so development comes together.

2. Why it matters to a business

For a business it is the way to make a site or application do more than display pages: send emails, store orders or exchange data with accounting software.

3. How we use it

We use it for the APIs and automation that a site or application needs in the background.

4. When it fits

It fits when a site needs to handle forms, payments or connections to other systems.

5. What to watch for

A server has to be watched and updated, otherwise it becomes a weak spot.

6. In practice

We deploy Node.js on the server side: handling forms, sending emails, connecting to a payment gateway or an accounting system. We use the same language as on the web, so the code is uniform and easier to maintain.

7. Alternatives

A server can also be written in PHP, Python, Java or Go. Each has its strengths, and the fit depends on the task and on who will maintain the code. Node.js is an advantage when the rest of the project is in JavaScript.

8. Common questions

Does my site need a Node.js server?

Only if it does more than show pages, such as processing an order. A purely informational site does not need it.

Is Node.js secure?

Security depends on how it is used. What matters is keeping libraries updated and not giving the server more permissions than it needs.

Who looks after the server?

On request we manage it, including updates, backups and outage monitoring. It can also be handed to your in-house IT.

If you need help with this, take a look at our Software development.

Related articles

• HTML: what it is and how we use it
• CSS: what it is and how we use it
• JavaScript: what it is and how we use it
• React: what it is and how we use it
• TypeScript: what it is and how we use it
• Next.js: what it is and how we use it
• Tailwind CSS: what it is and how we use it
• Swift: what it is and how we use it
• Flutter: what it is and how we use it
• Firebase: what it is and how we use it
• PostgreSQL: what it is and how we use it
• Software development