Node.js is considered to be one of the widely used software development tools allowing users to create full-fledged applications from scratch. In this article, we will talk about the top 10 Node.js developer tools. Using these, one can create a dynamic application in the shortest possible time. Before diving into the latest tools, let’s understand the features and benefits of Node.js.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is specifically designed for handling and running multiple connections simultaneously. As a result, the application offers excellent scalability. Unlike traditional web serving methodologies, Node.js makes use of a single thread. So, it requires less space on the RAM. 

It is powered by Google’s V8 engine as the base. Besides, the use of non-blocking I/O calls ensures that the system can tackle several concurrent connections without much delay. 

Node.js has several applications, such as chat rooms and streaming apps. The runtime environment can be used for many applications with unnecessary CPU usage. Its multi-thread request models allow multiple clients to send requests for making concurrent calls. 

How Node.js works?

• Node.js manages a limited thread pool for serving requests.
• Every request coming is placed in a queue.
• Single-threaded event loop waits for the requests.
• The loop picks up and checks every request from the queue. This is where it determines the blocking input/output. 
• If there is a blocking operation, the event loop will assign a thread from the thread pool for processing the request. 
• The event pool keeps track of blocking requests and arranges them in the queue when processing the blocking task. This is how Node.js manages non-blocking events. 

As there are a lesser number of threads, it makes use of fewer resources. As a result, the execution is a lot faster. Hence single-threaded architecture is similar to multi-threaded architecture. Multi-threaded languages like Java make more sense when users work with data-intensive processes. However, Node.js is the most suitable solution for managing real-time apps.

Over the last decade or more, there has been a tremendous rise in the number of websites. The popularity of Node.js is growing steadily. It is the choice of framework for more than 1.2% of websites on the internet.

Another option is to use ReactJS. Read more to know how to become a senior ReactJS Developer.

How to install Node.js? (Step by step guide)

The first step of creating mobile apps with Node.js runtime is downloading and installing the framework. The following are steps for installing Node.js. 

• Go to the Node.js download page. There is an option for downloading the tool for central operating systems. 
• Developers usually make use of Node Package Manager. These come with an easily understandable package manager for installing Node.js on Windows. 
• When installing the long-term support version of Node.js, the user gets access to NPM. It is also the largest software registry of Node.js, where people get access to an extensive software registry. It is estimated that there are close to 800,000 building blocks for developers.

Benefits of Node.js

Node.js JavaScript infrastructure is quite common among developers. Learning the school is relatively easier. 

• It allows users to court both the server and client ends of the project. 
• The integrated package manager supports several open-source tools and modules to guide the developer. 
• Node.js is also helpful in the development of asynchronous architecture. This makes the program simple without blocking any request.
• Also, the diverse and vibrate community is responsible for including new tools. 

Top 10 Node.js developer tools

These are some of the widely used Node.js development tools that make a developer’s journey easy.

1. Socket.io

Popular applications like Trello, Zimmer, and Microsoft Office have been developed with the help of Socket. IO. It is a widely used framework that readily pushes data to the client end for real-time graphical representation. It is mostly used for chat features. Besides, the concurrent editing feature of Microsoft is also based on Socket. IO. 

2. Express.js

Express.js is another popular tool for Node.js development. It provides rapid scaling and dynamic web application designs. Developers make use of Express.js for creating APIs quickly with the help of HTTP methodologies. Over the years, the developer community has developed several frameworks with Express.js as the foundation. 

3. Keystone.js

Keystone.js is a popular choice for Content Management purposes. Developers prefer to use this open-source framework for developing APIs and websites for web apps. It is known for its amazing simplicity and manageable system features. When developing CMS, it is important to have a robust admin UI. Keystone.js is perfect for executing such types of tasks. 

4. Meteor

Meteor is a tool for Node.js framework that is designed for cross-platform development. Developers can simultaneously use the code set for Android, web applications, and iOS. Meteor helps reduce coding efforts and enhance overall productivity. Also, it is compatible with Mongo DB. Meteor is also helpful for the implementation of various development tools. 

5. Passport.js

It is an authentication tool specifically designed for Node.js. One can use it for all forms of web applications depending on the Express.js framework. The tools offer excellent flexibility for application authentication purposes.

6. PM 2

PM2 serves as a process manager responsible for keeping track of the application. It can easily reload during periods of downtime. Developers no longer have to restart the entire application in a crash. 

7. Mocha.js

It is a JavaScript test framework that is completely based on Node.js. The tool allows the developers to test their codes using the browser and the console. Mocha.js has a fast testing suite for unit testing and integration. The tool performs excellently with Behavior Driven Development and Test Driven Development. Modularity is one of the most notable features of Mocha.js. Developers can make use of libraries like Sinon or Chai at the same time.

8. Bluebird.js

It is a form of promise library for Node.js developers. Bluebird.js is responsible for controlling asynchronous code and organizing them in separate files. It truly helps in maintaining the consistent quality of the code. 

9. Koa

Koa is from the developers of Express.js and serves as the latest iteration of a framework for Node.js. One of the notable aspects of this tool is that it does not require moderate wear. The availability of in-built plug-ins is helpful for compression, routing, and other related functions. 

10. Webpack

It is one of the fastest Node.js tools for serving assets and bundling. Also, it helps in simplifying deployment procedures. As a result, the overall process is easily manageable. The tools cut down the initial loading time by assembling JS pages for implementation. 

Conclusion

There are numerous tools available for Node.JS that make a developer’s life simple. The above-discussed tools are all forms of developer frameworks for different applications. These tools are truly beneficial for enhancing productivity. Basic knowledge and understanding of Node.js can guide developers in staying ahead of the competition. For that purpose, you can hire node js experts who can build seamless applications.