How to Develop Unique Mobile Apps with Node.JS?

Paypal, IBM, Uber, Zomato, Cisco, Walmart, Netflix… are just a few names added to the companies benefited by the Node.js. These companies use Node.js for their software and products and services. From its release in the year 2009, the javascript has gained enormous momentum. A significant reason for this is believed to a comfortable work environment and the ability to allow mobile app developers and front-end developers to build and execute on a server side.

A quick development cycle makes it very convenient to use. So, making it simpler, Node.js is a runtime environment, which is supported by open code javascript for network building. Nodejs development can help you build or test anything either from your pc or the browser. Therefore, Node.js can be termed as a light, adaptable and quick way to write scripts. Node.js works both for creating real-time web applications or mobile app development. This blog will focus on different Node.js frameworks used by top mobile app developers frameworks and their advantages. But before that let's understand how does Node.js runtime work.

What exactly is Node.js runtime environment?

We have told you that Node.js is a Javascript-based runtime environment. But, well you must be wondering how does it work and how does Node.js development happen? Let us take you briefly through it.

A Node run-time environment consists of everything you may need to run a program successfully written Javascript. Node.js is built on the Chrome V8 Javascript engine and uses a non-blocking I/O blocking model. The I/O model stands for Input/Output model, which is believed to be both scalable and efficient. The Non-blocking I/O believes that every I/O call must be answered back. In even simpler terms a non-blocking I/O removed the need for multi-threading since the server is capable of handling multiple requests at one go.

Now let’s walk through some frameworks used by top mobile app developers.

Ionic:

The most widely covered name in mobile app development done by the Node.js framework. And what is even better about this framework is that its free of cost. It works from the client-side and helps in building apps based on the combination of Javascript, HTML, and CSS3. It gives the web developers the freedom to build, test and deploy cross-platform mobile apps very quickly. Also, the HTML5 element helps mobile app developers make Hybrid apps. The Ionic framework offers flexibility as your app can be easily converted from one operating system to another. Moreover, it works wonderfully with Software development kits like Angular and uses Phonegap and Cordova Plugins

Mojito:

Mojito is based on Yahoo’s Model view controller framework. Supported by Cocktail, which is a Yahoo inbuilt JavaScript-based mobile development platform. It houses a group of technologies, which make it easy to build and host application working perfectly both on the client and server-side environments. Mojito based on the JavaScript web application framework can run in the browser and server simultaneously. This offers the developers the flexibility to have a single JS code base for both clients back and front end. JavaScript, Node.js, HTML5, YUI3, CSS3, and YQL are the building pillars of Mojito applications.

Express.js:

Express.js can be counted as one of the best Node.js frameworks. The framework houses more than 26000 web and mobile applications. The reason for this popularity can be due to a heap of benefits like high performance, high test coverage, multiple routing potential, HTTP helpers, content negotiation, database integration, and template engines. Great to for mobile app development, it supports a large number of plug-ins and possesses great routing API. With a sleek outline, it gives the developers maximum control over their project. For using Express, it is essential to have knowledge of how the client-server functions and of course HTML and Javascript. The framework uses the backend of MEAN stack along with the MongoDB database and Angular JS.

Sails.js:

Sails framework is built with the idea of narrowing down the gap between implementation and development. So, if you ask us, this framework gives you the flexibility to create anything from a small chat app to an app for an MNC. You only need a few days to get it on a roll. For advance apps, the MVC pattern of frameworks can be used. A great feature in Sails is that you can connect your code to a database of your choice. Even unlike a number of other competitors, you can move between SQL to NoSQL database easily. Also, compatibility features like Android, IOS, React.js,Angular.js and the availability of different packages like REST APIS and WebSockets make it a high pick. The framework works great where real-time data updates are needed. So, a lot of big names like Verizon, Microsoft, etc. are using Sails.

So, if you are looking to build up a unique and powerful mobile app, Node.js is the best option.