DEV Community

Twistor
Twistor

Posted on

Why I Chose Node.js for My Side Project (Even Though .NET C# Is Still My Day Job)

So, let’s get this out of the way — I’m still very much a .NET C# developer by day. We’re not breaking up! But when I started building my side project, I decided to take Node.js out for a spin.

And I kinda like it!

I’m not here to change anyone’s mind or start a debate — just thought I’d share why Node.js was the right fit for my humble side project.

1. I Like Keeping Things Simple
You know that feeling when you’ve got too many tabs open, and your brain’s about to overheat? Yeah, that’s how I felt juggling between C# and JavaScript.

So, for my side project, I decided to make my life easier and just stick with JavaScript for both the front and back end. Node.js let me do that, and honestly, it’s like having a universal remote — no more scrambling to remember which button controls what. Hehe.

Keeping it simple has been a huge plus for me.

2. Node’s Superpower
Here’s something cool: Node.js handles asynchronous tasks like a pro. My project has a lot of real-time stuff going on, and Node just seems to handle it effortlessly. It’s like Node is naturally good at multitasking — you know, unlike most of us!

Sure, .NET can do async too, but I found Node’s way of dealing with it a bit more… chill. No pulling my hair out trying to get it to work, which is always a win in my book. Hehe.

3. I Like Free Stuff
Okay, let’s be real — free stuff makes everyone happy, right?

That’s one big reason I went with Node.js for my side project. I’ve been using Render to host it, and they offer a pretty sweet free tier for small apps.

Setting up CI/CD with them? A piece of cake. I didn’t have to spend hours configuring things, which left me more time to actually build my project.

So yeah, free hosting and easy deployments? Sign me up!

4. A Treasure Chest of Goodies
NPM is like a giant toy store for developers.

Need a library for authentication? It’s there. File uploads? Boom, NPM’s got your back.

Working solo on a project means I need all the help I can get, and NPM has been my trusty sidekick.

5. Light Like a Feather
One of the best parts about using Node.js for my side project? It’s super lightweight. It doesn’t bog things down, so I can get things done fast without feeling like I’m dragging around a heavy backpack.

.NET is great for big, complex stuff (which is why I still use it for my day job), but for something smaller like my side project? Node’s light touch has been exactly what I needed.

Like moving with just a backpack instead of a whole moving van.

6. Trying New Things Keeps It Fun
I’ll admit it — part of the reason I chose Node.js was because I was itching to try something new. I’ve been in the .NET world for a long time, and while I still love it, I wanted to see what else was out there.

Node.js has been a fun change of pace. It’s kind of like trying a new hobby — it challenges you in a good way, keeps things fresh, and reminds you why you love building stuff in the first place.

So, yeah, stepping out of the comfort zone has been a fun little adventure.

Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it! I’m still all about .NET C# for my full-time work, after all it’s what have been paying my bills, but for my side project (Cheatsheet++), Node.js just fit like a glove.

It’s lightweight, flexible, and packed with free goodies that made my life easier.

But hey, this is just my experience. If you’re curious about Node.js, give it a try! Who knows — you might end up liking it as much as I did.

Image of Datadog

The Essential Toolkit for Front-end Developers

Take a user-centric approach to front-end monitoring that evolves alongside increasingly complex frameworks and single-page applications.

Get The Kit

Top comments (0)

Postmark Image

Speedy emails, satisfied customers

Are delayed transactional emails costing you user satisfaction? Postmark delivers your emails almost instantly, keeping your customers happy and connected.

Sign up