How common is the use of server-side JavaScript? What are the advantages of using it over other server-side scripting languages? Can you point out specific use cases where it outperforms other options?
I'm also unsure about how to start experimenting with server-side JavaScript. I'm using freeBSD - can you guide me on what needs to be installed in order to run server-side JavaScript?
Let's break it down like this:
Running servers can be costly, but users are willing to contribute processing power through their browsers for free. As a result, server-side code tends to be more expensive compared to client-side code for websites that require multiple servers. However, certain tasks like data validation and retrieval cannot solely rely on client-side execution. While it would be ideal to offload these tasks to the client for quicker response times and reduced server load, security and accessibility considerations necessitate server-side code.
Typically, developers end up implementing both server-side logic and client-side logic. Although server-side code is a must, replicating the same logic in javascript aims to enhance user experience with faster responses and alleviate server workload in specific scenarios, particularly in validation processes where catching errors on the client side can eliminate unnecessary server requests.
However, deploying dual sets of logic poses challenges in development and maintenance, as well as discrepancies between platforms leading to bugs over time.
Introducing server-side javascript as a potential solution to this dilemma. The concept revolves around writing code once to run seamlessly on both server and client, streamlining development, ensuring consistency, and simplifying the language requirements for developers.
Despite the promising advantages, the implementation of server-side javascript faces various obstacles:
To address these challenges, solutions like constraining the server-side javascript to a universally supported subset, providing compatible IDEs, establishing guidelines for page structures, and offering standardized javascript libraries have been introduced in tools like Aptana Studio/Jaxer and Node.js.
However, despite these efforts, the complexities and compatibility issues associated with server-side javascript may outweigh the benefits. Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness of additional servers compared to developer time and the preference for more efficient programming languages often prevail.
An alternative approach that may offer a middle ground is the concept of partial server-side javascript. This involves utilizing javascript for request validation on the server side independently, while using a preferred platform for generating response outputs.
One of the most underutilized uses of server-side JavaScript is data validation. By incorporating server-side JavaScript, you can easily create a single file to validate form data, first on the client side and then again on the server side to ensure security. This practice helps in maintaining validation rules DRY and enhances security measures.
For more insights, you may refer to:
Javascript is a versatile tool that can be utilized in various environments. Whether it's in a web browser, server, integrated into different software, or as a standalone application, the possibilities are endless.
Despite its flexibility, there seems to be a lack of significant advancements in the realm of "Server-Side Javascript" development currently.
Javascript is a versatile language with a unique blend of self / scheme prototype style base and a C style syntax. While it has its shortcomings, as outlined in the book Javascript the Good Parts, overall it is considered a top-tier language. However, the accessibility of Javascript can lead to a plethora of subpar programmers in the field.
For instance, a team at Google developed Rhino on Rails, an MVC framework akin to Ruby on Rails but built with Javascript running on Rhino, a Javascript interpreter for the Java VM. The choice was made to utilize a language that was fast, supported duck typing, and offered flexibility, while still aligning with the requirement to use the Java VM.
Another case in point is CouchDB, a document oriented database that utilizes JSON for its transport format and Javascript for its query and indexing language. This was done to make the database as web native as possible.
Javascript excels in string and DOM (XML) manipulation, sandboxing, networking, and self-extension, making it a popular choice for web application development.
Despite its strengths, I do not personally engage in server-side Javascript development. While it is a viable option, it remains less commonplace.
Our decision to utilize Javascript on the client side is primarily due to its availability, rather than it being our preferred language of choice from a selection. For server-side tasks, however, we would not opt for Javascript.
When it comes to server-side operations, the flexibility to use any language of choice is unrestricted.
Despite its reliability and user-friendliness, Javascript proves to be too resource-intensive for routine tasks on the server.
Having experience with both Javascript (NodeJS) and compiled languages (like Java or C#.NET), I can attest to the ongoing debate over which is better. This age-old question dates back to 2009, but since then the Javascript landscape has undergone significant transformations, while the Java world has remained relatively stagnant.
The realm of Javascript has seen remarkable progress with the introduction of Typescript, innovative frameworks (such as Next.JS), reactive and functional programming paradigms, GraphQL, and server side rendering (SSR).
On the other hand, examining compiled languages like Java reveals a reliance on familiar tools like Spring (possibly SpringBoot) and Jackson, with limited advancements compared to the dynamic JS ecosystem.
While my observations apply to multiple languages, I firmly believe that Javascript has revolutionized the field of software engineering.
Engaging, enjoyable, and highly productive, server side development with Javascript, Typescript, and NodeJs continues to captivate and benefit countless developers around the world.
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