Node.js Development 101: Mistakes to Avoid and Tips to Save Thousands

Node.js is one of the most popular open-source JavaScript runtime tools. This software enables developers to create high-performance and scalable applications. It’s one of the most common tech stack additions for both independent developers and start-ups as it’s ideal for creating data-intensive applications. 98% of Fortune 500 companies regularly use Node.js. 

Although an attractive option for independent developers, it can take time to adapt to Node – especially if you’re a novice to the software or coding in general. This Node development guide offers advice on how to avoid common mistakes, such as security vulnerabilities, slow performance, and incorrectly structured coding. 

1. Not Using JavaScript Standard Style

Whether you’re an independent developer or a start-up, it’s crucial to have a standard coding style. Using the same coding style means you don’t have to worry about different presets and you’re less likely to make costly mistakes. JavaScript standard style is the easiest to use with Node.js and means you don’t have to manage .jscsrc, .jshintrc, or .eslintrc files. 

2. Not Monitoring Your Node.js Applications

If something goes wrong in your Node.js development, you should notice it before your customers. Poor performance or error pages can cost your business crucial revenue and engagement. Open-source solutions, such as Prometheus, can enable you to monitor your applications. Created by SoundCloud, Prometheus requires self-hosting and set-up but can ensure your website application continues to perform correctly.

3. Not Correctly Closing Database Connections

Not properly closing database connections is one of the most common mistakes and can result in connection leaks. Generally, connection leaks happen when a connection is left open, creating an excessive number of open connections. If you have too many connections, your database server may run out of resources. Therefore, it has an increase in server requests and may become unresponsive. 

Correctly closing database connections is vital for ensuring high performance and stability in your web app development. As a rule, errors should always be identified and dealt with as swiftly as possible. If an error occurs and the connection is left open, it can result in a leak. Moreover, developers may also face problems if they fail to utilize connection pooling. This option enables multiple connections to be used and reused, limiting the number of connections as a new one will not be created for every request.

In brief, developers can correctly close database connections using the ‘end’ method. It closes the connection, while releasing the resources associated with it, allowing them to be redeployed. Moreover, you can also use ‘generic-pool’, a connection pooling library tool, to monitor connections and ensure they’re closed.

4. Not Utilizing Node.js Debugging Tools

If an error occurs, you can utilize the debugging tools available within the Node platform. It’s easy to be confused by this if you’re used to using software with more IDE integration. However, there are several options you can use for debugging that are convenient to use.

First, you can use the console.log to create a debugging pattern. This option is used by most new developers to the software. Alternatively, you can utilize Node’s built-in debugger by calling ‘node debug’ in your code. In addition, you can also use node-inspector, a debugger interface that uses Blink developer tools. This option enables you to debug applications using your chosen Chrome web tools and editors, making it relatively straightforward for developers of all skill sets.

Node-inspector is a tool you’ll want to become familiar with. You can use it for several tasks, including making changes to live code and for scope injection. 

5. Not Properly Managing Asynchronous Code

Failing to properly manage asynchronous code is one of the most common Node.js mistakes. This code runs independently of the main program flow and enables other code to be executed concurrently with itself. 

In short, asynchronous code is essential for Node.js development as the software operates with a single-threaded event loop, allowing it to handle multiple requests and connections. If a request blocks the event loop, it can result in unresponsiveness across the entire application. Crucially, asynchronous code prevents this by enabling your application to manage a large volume of concurrent connections without impacting performance. 

Therefore, it’s vital that developers properly manage asynchronous code. Common mistakes can result in issues like the ‘callback’ problem. If a developer places too many callbacks inside each other, it makes the code almost impossible to maintain and understand. Therefore, mistakes, errors, and open connections are more likely to occur as the code is too difficult to read.

Additionally, failing to manage asynchronous code can also lead to issues with promises, resulting in rejections, and making it harder to debug issues.

6. Not Correctly Structuring Node.js Code

Finally, failing to properly structure code is one of the most common mistakes you can make with any application. Correctly structuring your codebase makes your application easy to understand, more straightforward to maintain, and scalable. Therefore, failing to correctly structure code can result in poor scalability, maintenance problems, and poor readability. 

One of the most common coding structure mistakes developers make is not grouping related functions together. Mixing functions and variables throughout a codebase can make your code difficult to understand and read. Readability is crucial for ensuring you can maintain and scale a Node.js application. 

Correspondingly, failing to properly name files, functions, and variables can make it difficult to structure your code. Naming connections enable your code to be more readable as it’s easier to understand its purpose and group functions together accordingly.

The Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern is usually recommended as best practice when using Node.js, especially for new developers. Essentially, MVC separates your application into three components: the model, which represents the data, the view, representing the user interface, and the controller, which manages the communication between the model and view.

Invest in Professional Node.js Development with Avenvis 

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by Node.js. Working with a specialist developer can save your organization time and resources by providing you with an optimal set-up. Avenvis is an industry leader in Node.js development, providing custom and cost-effective solutions with seamless integration and user-centered designs. 

We strive to offer high-caliber development while ensuring affordability for start-ups and scaling companies with continuous technical support. Find out more about our Node.js app development services by scheduling a free consultation.