Complete Guide to Node JS for mobile apps development

Node js for mobile apps development is one of the latest buzzwords in the software domain. It mainly uses JavaScript as the main programming language. This helps in decreasing the development time while cutting costs for the software developing firm and its clients. 

It is, without doubt, one of the best platforms that help in building both mobile as well as web applications. Moreover, it is open source, so one can expect transparency, flexibility, and security from the server.

Node.js today is used by 1.4% to 2.2% of all websites globally. 

Let us learn more about it in complete detail. 

Decoding Node.js

In the very beginning, you must take note that Node.js assists in backend development. It is open-source, server-side, and a cross-platform environment, which uses JavaScript. It mainly utilizes the V8 JavaScript engine, which was developed by none other than Google for use on the Chrome web browser. 

With this, one can also run JavaScript code outside the browser. So, ultimately it benefits developers by allowing them to use the language for client-side programming in web browsers, and also for server-side.

One of the latest versions of Node.js to hit the market is the Node.js v21.4.0, released on December 5, 2023. 

Why Do Developers Use Node.js For App Development?

There are multiple reasons why developers use Node.js, for the server side of the application. Find out a few of them mentioned below. 

• Node.js is built on the V8 engine that belongs to Google Chrome. Thus, its execution time is very fast. You can run it very smoothly. 
• You can access almost 50,000 bundles in the Node Package Manager. This allows developers to import any package according to their requirements from the vast library of resources, modules, and tools. Developers can easily integrate the packages into any application reducing the need for further research or study. The usage of this framework also leads to huge time savings. 
• If you intend to build real-time and heavy data-oriented applications, this is just apt. It allows multiple operations, due to its non-blocking I/O model. Furthermore, it can support chat applications, online gaming, and streaming, simultaneously. 
• This same feature, i.e. non-blocking architecture helps in scalability. This is beneficial, as there will be times when the user traffic may increase. This feature allows businesses to expand services and operations, without major changes. 
• This framework can synchronize faster between the client and server, due to the availability of similar codes. This feature enhances the seamless exchange of information across all aspects of an application. This feature allows audio and videos to load faster. You will get responsive apps as a result of such integrations. 
• You can use Node.js without any hassles, for microservices architecture. The reason is that it is lightweight and comes with a modular design. So, these qualities make it easily deployable. One can easily isolate faults and develop the required application, with independent components. It also facilitates the updation of the apps without much hindrance. 
• Node.js is open-source in nature and is based on the JavaScript framework. Those developers who already know about JavaScript can work faster, as both work similarly. 

• Node.js also flaunts a large, active community of developers, which means that you can shoot a query across whenever you get stuck. Developers also remain up-to-date about the latest trends and security patches, making it a beneficial choice for app development. 
• Finally, Node.js can deliver a range of frameworks, where each one serves as an excellent tool for the development of mobile apps. These frameworks function with Node Package Manager and ultimately enhance the efficiency of the development project. 

Top Frameworks that do wonder with Node.js

Frameworks mainly help developers to focus on high-end functionality, in minimal time. So, here are the top five frameworks that work well in current times. 

Ionic 

This is one of the most-used Node.js cross-platform app development frameworks which focuses on a better user experience. The developer needs to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create apps on this framework. One can also utilize Saas and AngularJS. It is usable for both Android as well as iOS.

React 

Probably, one of the best-known Node.js frameworks, it is used to make Android and iOS apps, using the same code bases. The best part is that the apps run smoothly on both platforms. Some of the most popular apps like Uber Eats and Airbnb use React Native. 

Flutter 

It is used to make 2-dimensional mobile apps on the most popular platforms like Android and iOS. It provides a highly immersive experience to the user. This framework created and used by Google, can generate multi-platform apps from a single code base. It is best used for UI apps. 

Time Required For Node.js Mobile App Development 

Firstly, it is dependent on the requirements of the software application. Node.js arrives with its own set of tools that make it fuss-free for developers to create an application. 

If you choose the template option, while developing an application on Node.js, then it can roughly take less than 3 months. However, if you choose the non-template option, then it can take 3 months, on average. The cost is another important factor associated with the development duration. 

The various factors are enlisted in detail for you here. 

Complexity Of The Application 

 The complexity of the structure decides the duration of development. If the app has many fancy elements, then it will take a lot of time. 

Development Team’s Expertise 

The expertise of the people building the app also matters. If the team members are already proficient with JavaScript, then it gets easier. Those who have handled similar projects can also handle the Node.js-based projects well. This means that the team will be able to develop the app in minimal time. 

Library Usage 

Various tools facilitate the development process. Some of the tools include Express.js and Socket.IO, which come with readymade functions. Thus, the developers do not need to start from scratch. This speeds things up a little, apart from ensuring that the code is of high quality. 

External Integrations 

If you want the app to integrate with external apps and databases, it will take more time to build. A lot of planning goes into such areas. The complex structure of such apps along with the inclusion of security features, can increase app development time. 

Fixing Bugs 

Before any developer delivers the app to the client, the incumbent needs to test for bugs. It ensures to fix issues in the testing phase itself. You can add some more time to the development time for the app, for this function. 

The development team may exceed the given time frame, which is very much possible. Accurate estimation may be somewhat difficult in the case of app development. 

FAQs

Is node.js front end or backend?

Node.js primarily serves as a backend development platform, executing JavaScript outside the browser, making it ideal for building scalable server-side applications like web servers and APIs. However, it also contributes to frontend development, facilitating server-side rendering and build processes for frameworks like React and Vue.js.

With tools like Next.js and Nuxt.js, Node.js enables server-side rendering, enhancing frontend performance. Additionally, Node.js functions as a build tool, compiling JavaScript, CSS, and optimizing assets. While its core strength lies in backend development, Node.js' versatility extends to frontend tasks, demonstrating its value across the full spectrum of web development.

Final Words 

Thus, you can understand that Node.js is a multi-faceted framework that has changed its presence in the market. Many renowned companies like PayPal and Uber Eats are using this framework for their app development. It has helped in the development of high-power and flexible apps in a short time. It also boasts a strong debugging platform that is scalable as well.