In its simplest sense, a real-time application operates by sensing, analysing and taking actions based on live data collected as it is happening in real-time and is constantly being updated as the programme is running. Custom application development services rely on timely actions based on such live feed data for a real-time application, as opposed to the broad, traditional approach where a database storage system is used for the input of a fixed, predesigned set of information that can be retrieved for later usage.
A web application development company that offers custom application development services uses EDA, or Event Driven Architecture, for the asynchronous processing of real-time data, prompting a quick and accurate response from the real-time application. In simple words, the response or action taken by the application varies with the latest situation or user request. Such custom application development services are the structural base of the software side of several daily use applications like Uber, PayPal, LinkedIn, Airbnb, Walmart, Netflix, Trello etc., where the user request is accepted, processed and responded to within the shortest periods of time.
Since speed and accuracy are of essence for the effectiveness of such real-time user-centric applications, a web application development company needs to keep up with the pace while ensuring the efficient and smooth functioning of the custom application development services that they offer. With technology and rising competition in the field of information technology, it is necessary to stay on top of the game by using the best server platforms available for custom application development services. A great example is Node.js, for instance.
Node.js is a free, open-source, back-ended runtime environment that uses JavaScript. Its cross-platform, single-threaded nature makes it ideal for custom application development services that function by processing real-time data distributed across several devices and users. In contrast to frameworks like JSP, Spring MVC, AJAX or even HTML, which use multithreaded request-response architecture to process user requests, node employs a single-threaded event loop model architecture. This means easy handling of a greater volume, up to tens of thousands of concurrent user requests, all held in a single event loop. Node.js is the favourite of any web application development company for several other reasons as well, ranging from scalability to ensured security.
Here are the steps for real-time data communication by implementing the Web Sockets technique in Node.js. The first step you need to do is to create a folder named websockets after opening a terminal. You can then initialise npm in the folder. You must create an app.js file. Then, write some code in the app.js file. Following this, install the necessary dependencies or libraries. The next step is to create public folder, after which you will create html folder inside public folder. Create a file, index.html, in public folder and write a set of code in it. Finally, execute the app.js file. Web Sockets is one of the most preferred techniques for real-time data communication in Node.js, and its popularity surpasses techniques like Polling and Server Sent Events.
Essentially, Node.js is a very flexible platform, ideal for the building of interactive real-time applications. Here are certain vital facts to keep in mind while designing an app using Node.js.
Real-time applications built with Node.js work based on a two-way connection system, where communication can be initiated by the user as well as the server for maximum efficiency. The usage of fewer threads means the utilisation of lesser memory and storage space as well as other resources. The high scalability, speed, sensibility, concurrency and asynchronism are also winning characteristics of Node.js as far as custom application development services are concerned. Additionally, Node.js also offers the option of inspecting or even making alterations to a running program without the hassle of having to restart it.
Node comes with the assurance of high performance. This means it can load a page within seconds, even in the face of high user traffic. The two-way communication system uses a common programming language for the user end as well as the server end, making it easier for custom application development services. This single codebase system eliminates the need for conversion between the user and server ends, rendering the process of transmission and execution faster and more efficient. The resultant functioning is so smooth that Node.js makes data organisation seem like the simplest of all tasks. The ease of usage can also be attributed to the simple and straightforward style of coding and debugging.
The most important aspect of the efficient functioning of any real-time app is how it facilitates the integration of real-time communication and technology for a timely response. For instance, being able to talk to your delivery executive or driver and track the order or your cab are key features of a food delivery app like Swiggy or a transport assist app like Uber. Similarly, the addition of certain key elements that are niche to your specific real-time application is a necessary aspect of custom application development services.
A well-functioning real-time application designed using Node.js should be able to facilitate communication through various means like instant messaging, call or voice message features to ensure that the service delivered is in alignment with the user’s requests and needs. Similar is the sharing of documents across devices. Allowing access to multiple users on a single project can also be very useful and time-saving, especially in collaborative work-extensive fields like editing. The addition of real-time user collaboration features using Node.js in applications like Trello, and Google Docs can save a lot of time and resources for individuals as well as organisations by maximising team productivity. Additional features like reminders, in-app notifications, live tracking, live data streaming etc., can also be easily collaborated into real-time applications through custom application development services that utilise Node.js.
Another very handy feature of Node.js is that it enables real-time data analytics, for instance, in trading and e-commerce, where the user can gain insights into live data even as it enters the system, providing real-time updates. Node also enables real-time interactive applications to curate a live feed that is custom designed for each user depending on their user history across several devices and platforms. The scope of real-time feed updation has blown up in recent years with the advent of social media platforms like Instagram with its vast popularity across the world.
In conclusion, building a Real-time Application using Node.js is a piece of cake with the right kind of assistance in terms of custom application development services. Help and guidance can be easily sourced from a web application development company that can assist the specific needs of your real-time application.