Businesses seek intuitive and responsive websites and mobile applications to engage more and more traffic. With the growing popularity of Node.js, developers are going crazy and using it in place of others, while businesses or app development companies are looking for hiring Node.js developers.

The question here arises what are the things to be considered while hiring Node.js developers. Here, in this blog, we are going to provide you with the checklist to hire node.js developers.

Node.js apart has an amazing ecosystem around it and that’s what separates it. Node is an open-source, core language that lives on the server-side, unlike JavaScript that lives on the web side. Hence, JavaScript is important to know if you’re developing for the web.

Now. Let’s see what Node.js has got to offer?

It has got a treasure of code packages and modules. The codes are written by developers and contributed to the repository. This way, any developer can take its help to develop some aspects as well as functionalities in the web applications. This makes it easier and faster for developers to build web apps hence, this is one of the major reasons why companies and businesses go for hiring Node.js developers.

Another advantage of Node.js that makes developers fall in love with it is that via JavaScript, Node makes it possible for developers to write applications for a full technology stack without shifting from front-end to back-end development. Developers do not have to worry about compatibility with Node anymore. Node developers don’t have to do ‘context switching,’ back and forth if they have worked with other backend languages.

Source: www.pinterest.com

Node.js Popularity:

• According to Similar Tech, Node.js is the most popular in the U.S — almost 28,000 websites use it.
• Big online marketplaces like eBay, AliExpress are powered by node.js backend.
• As per W3techs, high traffic websites, like Netflix, Groupon, PayPal uses Node.js.

The basic skills to be checked when hiring Node.js developers include command over the programming languages, design thinking, absolute coding skills, logic, collaboration and soft skills. There are some of the skills which are unique to Node.js developers because the Node ecosystem is very large, and there’s a massive web of codes and modules already written.

1. NPM:

The first thing every Node developer questions while programming is, “Is there an npm for that?’” npm (node package manager) is basically an open-source, online repository available for developers. NPM facilitates publishing open-source Node.js projects along with a command-line utility for the purpose of interaction with that repository.

2. Code Integration:

It’s always good to save time using the codes which have already been written to solve the same problem. But for that, your Node.js developer must know how to find an existing Node [package] that serves the function they’re trying to do. While hiring Node.js developers make sure the person is efficient to interact, engage that code, and integrate it with the existing systems so that the whole thing works.

You might be wondering how about doing everything from scratch. So, there are a number of developers who follow this practice and what they achieve is nothing but the reinvention of the wheel and wastage of time. The other side to this is those Node.js developers who simply cut and paste from the npm without putting in a lot of effort. They can get away with the task with some smart skills and experience to integrate codes, test, and debug their projects.

3. Debugging:

Developing isn’t enough. A developer must also know how to debug. It’s only then he can build a bug-free product. To test the debugging skills of your potential candidate, you must ask him/her “How would you debug this?”. You can then evaluate the candidate’s ability to identify and resolve potential bugs. Look for hiring Node.js developers with good debugging skills.

4. Data Flow:

The programmer who understands the data flow of a Node.js application is a man of value. He can be trusted to test or give a product demo. Node.js developers must be comprehensive with the data flow. Knowledge of streams and buffers; asynchronous programming and asynchronous behavior; security and performance needs defines an ideal Node.js developer. Also, he must be skilled at scaling Node.js and JavaScript applications.

5. Experience:

Candidates who have worked already in Node.js projects are preferable than the ones with no experience. Past experience ensures the candidate’s ability to build a product and therefore are more likely to rely on newer products.

6. Social Geek:

A candidate with good networks is good to go with hiring Node.js developers. The one who attends developer meetups, conferences and is a member of the developer’s community is a preferable choice for Node.js developer. The candidate with a background in computer science and the one who has contributed code to the ecosystem and/or filed bug reports, stand out. Having a good profile on Github also counts.

7. Third-party services integration:

There’s hardly an application that runs without the participation of “a third wheel”. For payments, integration of Paypal, GooglePay is done while for the sharing feature, integration of Instagram or Facebook is done. Therefore, while hiring Node.js developers make sure he knows how to integrate various complicated systems. The ideal candidate for a Node.js developer is the one who can write fewer lines of code, contributing to cost and time-efficiency.

8. Dual Knowledge:

Knowledge of both frontend and backend is important. The ideal candidate is the one who can work with the user-facing part of the application as well along with backend programming.  Backend node.js developers who can work with front-end elements created by their teammates are ideal candidates for hiring Node.js developers.

9. Soft Skills:

Soft skills like effective communication skills, empathy, leadership skills, etc. are a must for a node.js developer. Work culture has gone remote post the COVID crisis and it demands a need for excellent communication to avoid mishaps due to miscommunication. So, a candidate who is a good communicator and can lead the team makes up for an ideal candidate.

10. Other Things:

Apart from cut and paste, a Node.js developer must know things like concurrency, promises, callbacks to build an excellent web application with Node.js. For hiring Node.js developers, you must evaluate them on their knowledge about systems and processes. Ask them how they would integrate certain modules with other systems. Tell them to explain how certain systems and processes work.

Node.js Developers Roles and Responsibilities:

Source: Medium Website

The work scope of a Node.js specialist generally revolves around managing the data interchange between users and the server. It is a well-known fact that any platform is built on the basis of a set of complex codes and information. Therefore, developers are responsible to work on issues like creating logic at the backend of applications, establishing a better performance and ensuring that user requests are processed by the system and hence, providing good user experience.

The best candidate is the one who is capable of taking dual responsibility of both front-end and back-end. It is an add-on advantage if a back-end Node.js developer has a basic understanding of the user-facing part of the application so that he can work with front-end elements created by others and vice versa. Third-party tools are often used during app development, so it is the role of Node.js developer to integrate different tools into the applications.

Responsibilities of Node.js Developers:

Earlier, there was a theory that you just have to be good at one thing to excel in your career but today the theory has been changed. Being good at just one thing isn’t enough, you need to be a multi-tasker. While hiring Node.js developers, you should seek for the candidate who is a jack of all trades. A Node.js developer has to be expert in a number of techniques and can take on a high amount of responsibilities.

Here are some of the key responsibilities of Node.js developers:

a. Adhering to Agile Methods

The importance of Agile technology is escalating in today’s tech world, so it is significant to consider while hiring Node.js developers who are familiar with Agile development methods. Agile development makes the product development cycle smoother.

b. Writing Clear Codes

The best code written is the one that is reusable, laconic and comprehensive. If the code is so complex that it is difficult for other team members then it isn’t good code.

c. Front-end Development

Just because you are a back-end developer doesn’t mean you would never deal with front-end development. At times you need to deal with front-end developers as well. So, being a full-stack developer, you’d stand out.

d. Security Implementation

Where there’s data there’s a need for security. It is the responsibility of developers to implement secure practices into the product. This will certainly help them to secure the product.

e. Commitment to the Ecosystem

It not only showcases the candidate’s coding ability but also confirms that the candidate can collaborate with others and communicate effectively.

f. Performance Issues Detection

Although bug detection comes under the job role of a QA/tester, it’s a bonus if you have a knack at error identification and correction. It reduces the project time period and you shine like a rockstar in the team.

g. Database Configuration

It won’t be an exaggeration to say that database is the heart of an app or software when you are going to deliver customized content. So, while hiring Node.js developers make sure he possesses knowledge of using different database management systems (especially MongoDB).

h. Keeping Updated

Node.js updates are released frequently therefore developers must be updated and should switch to the latest version to take advantage of improved features.

Node.js Developers Skills:

Source: Gridb Website

We have already discussed the roles and responsibilities of Node.js developers and you must have realized the significance of hiring Node.js developers.

Here’s a list of essential skills that must be checked when you look for hiring Node.js developers:

• Understanding of basic front-end technologies. For example; HTML5 and CSS3.
• Knowledge of other frameworks as well like Express, StrongLoop, etc.
• Complete understanding about asynchronous programming and its workarounds.
• Command over server-side templating languages. (Jade, EJS).
• Knowledge of server-side CSS pre-processors like Stylus.
• Practical knowledge and experience in user authentication and authorization between multiple servers, systems, and environments.
• Skill to integrate ‘n’ number of data sources and databases into a single system.
• Good with fundamental design principles to build a scalable application.
• Can differentiate between multiple delivery platforms and optimize their output.
• Implement automated unit tests and testing platforms.
• Knows the tools like Git.
• Experience at Node.js development tools like npm, grunt, broccoli, gulp, brunch, etc.
• Error handling
• Semantic Versioning
• JavaScript knowledge is a must.
• Complete Knowledge of Node.js frameworks
• Database basics
• Previous experience on projects
• Microservices architecture and Architectural patterns
• Optimization of Performance

Apart from the technical skills, some soft skills are also necessary to exercise the processes smoothly, handling communication efficiently, etc.

Here’s the shortlist of necessary soft skills:

• Grasp learning
• Strong Commitment
• Flexibility
• Engineer thinking
• Design thinking
• Analytical aptitude
• Positive attitude
• Team player
• Soft-spoken
• Highly motivated
• Problem-solving capability
• Leadership Skills
• Effective communication
• Verbal and written communication
• Logical thinking
• Verbal and quantitative
• Empathy to understand user problems
• Loyalty

Now you’d be aware of all the things that must be checked before hiring Node.js developers. A candidate who possesses all the skills (technical as well as other soft skills) is the best to hire.

You might be wondering that searching for an ideal candidate might be a tiresome job. It would require you to go through bunches of resumes then shortlisting some of them, scheduling interviews, and finally selecting candidates.

Source: RawPixel Website

Well, relax you can save your energy and get rid of a long recruitment procedure by hiring highly curated candidates from EngineerBabu. The best thing about hiring developers from us is that they have passed rounds of interviews and tests to get selected, therefore they are efficient and possess the required expertise and skills.

No long term commitment is required, for hiring Node.js developers for the time being on a monthly basis. Isn’t it good? You do not need to get stuck with full-time employees anymore. You can choose specific talents for specific projects for the time period you want to. So, if you have an ongoing project or wish to start one, then hire node.js developers right away. Reach out to us and discuss your idea. Your idea would be NDA protected and won’t be out. So, what are you waiting for, hire dedicated developers, and get started on your project?

The post 10 Things must be Checked while Hiring Node.js Developers appeared first on EngineerBabu Blog.

PayPal is a world-known online payment system that allows you to pay for items using a secure internet account. Withholding 286 million users with $315 transactions daily, Paypal was mainly dependent on the JAVA as the backend technology. But as the year passes, it became challenging to satisfy the demands of ultramodern and high tech users. So the Head of Engineering at PayPal, Jeff Harrell decided to move complete PayPal services to a newly introduced technology Node.js.

Why PayPal migrated to a newer tech stack, aka Node.JS?

PayPal had initially been written in JAVA and using simple HTML and JavaScript code for front-end. Things were going till the time an HTML developer who has to ask a Java developer to link together page “A” and “B.” When PayPal was adapting new algorithms and enhancing its security features, the model was demanding a full-stack developer who can manage everything solely. By adopting Node.js solved a major problem, as it permitted for writing the browser and the server applications in the same programming language – “JavaScript”. As a result, the team is able to understand problems at both ends and react more effectively and quickly to the customer needs.

Node.js application was built faster with fewer resources, there were written in 1/3 lines of code while developing in Node application as compared to Java, and the app was constructed with 40% fewer files. There are many other reasons why PayPal shifted its tech stack to Node.js

Recommended Reading: Top 20 Websites built with AngularJS/NodeJS

Get High Performance with Node.JS Development: Performance is an essential factor when it comes to choosing a tech stack. Node.js development gives the flexibility to use the same functionality and built by more or less the same teams: one with an internal Java framework based on Spring and the other built on kraken.js with express.js, dust.js, and other open-source code of JavaScript. The following graph can better explain this:

Less Development Time: According to Jeff Harrell, they started migrating PayPal in January, and it took hardly a few months to get the desired infrastructure. Initially, they assigned five engineers for the Java applications. After two months with Java development, two engineers simultaneously started working with node.js app development. In the first week of June, the whole team met at the same point and accomplished the whole project within timeframe with:

• Almost the same features.
• It was built almost twice as fast with fewer people.
• They were written in 33% fewer lines of code.
• They constructed an application that is more dynamic and has improved UI.

Low cost: Someone well said that more resource is directly proportional to more development cost. As node.js development requires fewer developers, the cost of the whole development cycle will be reduced. PayPal invested the least number of engineers in resettling its application from Java to node.js. Thus, they gained a notable amount of profit.

Enhanced Productivity: The node.js facilitates developers to write code in comparatively less time with fewer additional files. Node.js improved developer’s productivity by allowing them to less code for a single module. Therefore, the time atrophied to write lengthy codes has been utilized well. Whereas in Java development, the developer has to include unnecessary files and code to run a single module.

Other Companies who have shifted their web app on Node.JS Development?

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the world’s #1 business and employment-oriented social networking application. LinkedIn trusted node.js and migrated their application from Ruby on Rails. It was a smart move by the company as the node.js development made the whole process 10x faster, and LinkedIn gains a competitive advantage too.

Walmart: Walmart is the world’s biggest eCommerce site with approximately the $481.32 billion global net sales in 2017. The company has chosen to work with node.js and trusted a new technology keeping aside all the risks. The development team of Walmart appreciated the Node.js famous single-threaded event loop models that can swiftly handle concurrent customer requests with no hassle.

Recommended Reading: Best Way to Hire Node JS Developer

Uber: Uber is a platform that connects customers who are in need to hire Taxi or any other transportation, now also stared food ordering services. It has used several tools, but recently, they migrated their application to node.js to give their users a better and engaging experience.

Medium: Medium is one of the most beautiful examples of how node.js helping businesses to make a profit. Medium is an online podium that publishes blogs that use Node.js for their web servers. At first glance, it looks like a simple HTML page, but it is much more than a simple technology. Node.js is especially useful when it comes to running A/B tests to get a better comparison of products and experiment with innovative ideas.

Why Hire Dedicated Node.JS Developers from EngineerBabu?

Specialized Team of Programmers: Our programmers are specialized in the latest technology trends. If you hire a team of dedicated developers from EngineerBabu, you will get a complete pack of developers who are skilled in web technologies like; PHP, Node.js, Python, Angular, React.js, CI, Laravel, mobile app development: Android, Flutter, iOS, React Native, etc. and in addition, you can hire Data Scientist and DevOps Engineer at affordable price.

Like Partnerships: We are a reliable partner, managing your offshore software development team. We are known as a startup-friendly Company. Our clients range from Fast 50 startups to Fortune 500+ global companies.

Deliver Experience with Excellence: We always offer a stable and robust partnership. Our clients are with us since the company started. Our developers are hand-picked and pre-scanned. We always believe in delivering excellence with quality; that’s why we have a 97% client repeat ratio.

Why choose only India, especially Indore, to make your offshore development center?

• India is a leading Asian country in technology. India started with an export of $100 million, with around 5000 employees in 1990. But now in 2019, India’s IT export is around $80 Billion with 3.2 million employees working
• Indore is surrounded by many big well-known IT companies like TCS, Infosys DXC, etc.
• India was previously a British Colony as most of the people here speak English.
• There are local laws that stimulate the development of the IT businesses, for example, there is a 100% exemption on income tax for IT employees, a 50% tax deduction for R&D-related operations costs, etc.
• Indore is well connected with international and domestic Airports with a population of around 35 lakh that makes commutation very easy.
• India has a vast network infrastructure – it is ranked as the 4th country in the world regarding high-speed broadband Internet connection.
• India generally follows a 5:30 GMT zone, which is very flexible to work with.

I think PayPal has taken the right decision at the right time. Do you also want to migrate your current website to the trending technology? Hire a dedicated Node.JS developer from EngineerBabu. For more information, talk to me or mail me on mayank@engineerbabu.com.

I am waiting for your feedback in the comment section.

Also read:

• 10 Reasons to use Angular for an Engaging and Attractive Website Design
• Best ways to Hire Developers for Remote Jobs to Work from Home
• Best Way To Hire An Android Developer

The post Node.JS – The rising Technology behind PayPal appeared first on EngineerBabu Blog.