An open-source, cross-platform runtime framework for server-side JavaScript is known as Node.js. It enables developers to execute JavaScript on the server side as opposed to just in the browser, allowing them to create server-side applications that are high-performance, scalable, and quick.
Since Ryan Dahl created Node.js in 2009, it has grown to be one of the most widely used platforms for creating web apps, particularly for real-time, data-intensive applications. Because of its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, it is perfect for creating scalable and quick web apps.
Node.js Key Features
- Asynchronous programming: Node.js is extremely scalable and effective because it uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O paradigm. This entails that several queries may be handled concurrently without obstructing the processing of others.
- Large community: Node.js has a sizable and vibrant developer community that actively contributes to its growth, builds tools, and exchanges knowledge via forums and social media.
- Package administration: Npm, the built-in package manager provided with Node.js, makes it simple to install and maintain third-party packages and modules.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Node.js is a flexible option for server-side programming because it can be used with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Real-time applications: Because Node.js allows real-time data exchange between the client and server, it is well suited for real-time applications like chat programs, multiplayer games, and streaming services.
Why security matters in Node.js?
You most likely deal with a sizable amount of user data as a Node.js developer. Some of them have extremely delicate personalities. Cloud-native businesses should always handle their customer’s data with the utmost respect.
In order to address the security of the Node.js project and the security of its users, Node.js and its core contributors currently keep a variety of channels.
The Security Working Group was established in 2016 at Node.js Interactive in Austin in response to the demand for a working group specializing in security. Its primary duties include developing and upholding security policies and practises for the Node.js Foundation’s other projects as well as the central Node.js project.
With more than 500,000 packages and 500 new modules added each day, npm is by far the largest package community in the world. Every week, we download these files more than 3 billion times. At this scale, the ecosystem’s security is one of the top concerns.
Even if npm takes every precaution to keep the registry private, modules may still contain security flaws. Auditing each module before using it is not something you have time for because most applications can easily rely on hundreds or thousands of modules.
It’s time to get your hands dirty and safeguard your application! You can already take significant steps in the direction of a more secure Node.js application by attentively following and implementing the following recommendations.