Major Node.JS Pitfalls Committed by the Developers
- Web
- December 6, 2017
Today Node.js has outclassed other web applications in the competition to establish as one of the optimum server based platform. It has been predominantly developed on the JavaScript Engine of the most popular web browser- Google Chrome, which is the V8 Engine.
Node.js helps in establishing the two-way communication between the client and the server in real time so that the sharing of the files, documents and data becomes much simpler.
One of the key factors that has made Node.js popular within the users is its swiftness to create scalable network applications. It is light-weighted and effective application that has non-blocking I/O model and can smoothly operate on a number of distributed devices.
According to statistics, Node.js is used by 0.3% of all the websites. One of the other research shows that division in percentage on how the organizations are utilizing the benefits of the Node.js. According to that 39% is getting used for backend, 36% for full stack, 16% for front-end whereas the remaining 9% for others.
With various advantages under its belt, Node.js is supposedly the preferred framework when it comes to development of complex applications. Although it is known for its simplicity, efficiency and reliability, however, still the developers need to have an insight on how to maximize its utility.
The Common Node.js Mistakes Made by Developers
During the building of the application, the developers commit some mistakes that can even lead to an entire project failure. So, it becomes important to know about the pitfalls in advance so as to remain alert and careful while developing application.
1. Continuously Pressing for Call Backs
One of the common mistakes often committed by the developers is implementing the callback function more than once. As such even today the JavaScript relies much on the process of the callbacks and it helps in connecting the asynchronous elements, thus making them to function appropriately.
In fact, call backs are identified as one of the crucial aspects of Node.js and it also assists the developers to build APIs.
So if the developer is going for the call back for more than one time, he creates the problem as it affects the functioning of the Node.js. It is important to get the value of the first call function.
One of the best ways you can avert this mistake is add a return keyword before undertaking the call back task. It must be remembered that most of the tasks are asynchronous and so the return call back does not make any sense.
2. Blocking of the Event Loop
As a developer you need to know that an event loop is one of the vital tasks being carried out by the Node.js in developing the complex applications. However, the problem arises when the event loop gets blocked and as an outcome the user has to wait a longer period of time for navigating the app. In simple terms the connection with the server gets disrupted.
The program functions on a single line and so you cannot run two applications at the same time. Therefore, if the event look gets obstructed then it will affect the entire program. Thus, it is not a worthy advice to pair the event loop with excess payload of JSON. parse with the intention of focusing on backend files.
It becomes the responsibility of the developer to identify what type of common mistakes are getting along during the coding and should remove it, so that the application can run seamlessly.
3. Nested Callback or Callback Hell
If you properly analyze the common issues with Node.js, you would know that most of the problems are associated with callbacks and the callback hell or nested callback, whatever you may term it is one of the general mistakes.
In fact, this particular problem persists in most of the application development programs. The concern usually originates because the development of the application is a complex process. It also becomes difficult to maintain the codes.
But you can sort out this issue by writing simple functions that are easy to read and providing them suitable links. For instance, codes such as Generators, Promises etc. will be helpful and you can keep the codes error free.
The developers who expect that the call back will operate serially shouldn’t get under this misconception as everything is not carried out synchronously. Therefore, it is suggested that the addition must be done instantly after the call back to ensure everything goes smoothly.
4. Forgetting to Test and Inspect the Codes
So, once an application development is complete it’s time for some more action as the developer has to mandatorily test and inspect the codes. Well, in order to carry out this work in a smooth manner, he can take the help of various tools, which remains at his disposal. A few examples of these would include Jasmine, Mocha etc.
Mere testing of the framework is not considered adequate as he also needs to conduct an inspection on different features such as how much memory is being utilized and delay in the event loop etc.
For the inspection purpose, the developers can take the support of viable tools including App Dynamics and New Relic. However, in case you are doing the manual coding, then it is recommended to add a few more programs to offer the robustness to the program.
5. Developer is Unknown to Developing Tools
Often it is seen that in case the developers are inexperienced and fresher into the application development field, he remains unknown to the developing tools. It has already been indicated earlier that Node.js helps in complicated application building and if the developer is not familiar with the basic modules he may face problems.
The developer should know that if any change is done at the source, he has to restart and also he needs to refresh the browser when the static codes are getting modified and affecting the performance of the application. For restarting the server, you can use modules such as nodemon and for refreshing the nodemon and livereload is regarded appropriate.
6. Choosing Console.log Rather than Debug Library for Debugging
Some of the developers use Consle.log for the debugging process, but it is advised that should choose the debug library instead. It has been ideally designed for that task and you can protect the logs from getting printed out in the debug mode. This will keep your files and documents safe and secure.
7. Presuming Numbers to be Integer Data
The developer can commit a fault when he considers the numbers to be integer data but in actuality they are floating point data in the JavaScript. So, if there is anything wrong with the limits of the float, the calculations can also go wrong. There are different operations carried out on the integers and the floats and if you remember it, you will get successful outcome.
Conclusion
Node.js is one of the finest frameworks that helps in perfect designing of complicated applications with the help of easy coding.
Nowadays, it is being employed by a number of business houses and organizations to take their business forward. The Node.js developers have to be smart enough to execute the project smoothly by implementing different techniques such as writing the tough codes.
Also they need to remain aware of the common flaws that the developers commit and work on to avoid such errors.
