Best Practices for Developing Node.js Applications
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Chapter 1: Essential Setup for Node.js Applications
In this article, I will share ten essential practices for building Node.js applications, drawn from my own experiences. This compilation is not exhaustive but aims to highlight key considerations.
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Section 1.1: Properly Installing npm Modules
When managing npm modules, it's crucial to ensure that specific versions are consistently installed. Instead of using npm install ... --save, which adds a caret (^) before the version number in the package.json file, you should use npm install ... --save --save-exact. The latter command locks the version, ensuring that anyone else working on the project installs the same version as intended.
Section 1.2: The Importance of Application Monitoring
Node.js applications operate as distinct processes on the server. If an error causes a crash, you should be alerted before your users are affected. Various monitoring tools exist to notify you of errors via email or other means. Personally, I find monit effective as it is commonly available on servers, but more comprehensive options are available with other tools.
Section 1.3: Utilize the Latest LTS Version of Node.js
I strongly recommend using the latest Long Term Support (LTS) version of Node.js for both stability and access to new features. At the time of writing, the latest version is 15.11.0.
Subsection 1.3.1: Initiating New Projects with npm init
Always kick off a new Node.js project with npm init, as this command generates a valid and empty package.json file essential for tracking npm modules and their versions. If you are working with multiple Node.js versions, consider using nvm (Node Version Manager).
Section 1.4: Adhere to Lowercase Filenames
Avoid creating filenames like “MyFile.js.” This practice is critical because Node.js is cross-platform, and file name casing matters on certain operating systems, such as Linux. Instead, use lowercase filenames, such as "my-file.js," to prevent compatibility issues.
Section 1.5: Serve Static Files via a Web Server
Static files, including images, should be served through a web server rather than directly by Node.js. Ideally, your Node.js application should run on a different port, with a web server like Nginx handling static file requests. This setup enables more efficient delivery of static content, freeing up resources for dynamic requests.
Section 1.6: Avoid Synchronous Functions
Node.js provides both synchronous and asynchronous versions for file operations. For instance, fs.readFileSync(path[, options]) blocks the process until the file is read, while fs.readFile(path[, options], callback) allows the program to continue executing. To maintain performance, prefer asynchronous functions in a Node.js application, especially given its single-threaded nature.
Chapter 2: Optimizing Your Development Workflow
Section 2.1: Correctly Set the NODE_ENV Variable
The NODE_ENV variable is vital in Node.js applications, especially when using the Express Framework. It defines whether the application is running in development or production mode. Set it accordingly to optimize performance; for example, use export NODE_ENV=production on Linux or OSX, or set NODE_ENV=production on Windows. This configuration helps Express manage templates and error reporting more efficiently.
Section 2.2: Remove console.log Statements
While console.log() can be useful during development for debugging, leaving these statements in production code can waste CPU resources and slow down performance. It’s advisable to remove all console.log calls before deploying to production, potentially using tools like Gulp for automation.
Section 2.3: Implement Automated Testing
Finally, it's crucial to safeguard your Node.js application's client-side JavaScript code with automated tests. A variety of testing frameworks are available to ensure your code remains robust and reliable.
Conclusion
I hope these practical tips assist you in adopting best practices for Node.js development. For more insights, check out plainenglish.io.