NodeJS and NestJS: Understand how and when to use these technologies

Introduction

In the universe of web development, we often come across a multitude of tools and technologies that promise to make our lives easier. NodeJS and NestJS are two of these technologies that have been gaining prominence, especially among developers seeking scalability and performance. In this article, we will explore what these tools are, their differences, when to use them, and how they can benefit your projects.

What are NodeJS and NestJS?

NodeJS

NodeJS is a JavaScript runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript code on the server, outside the browser. This means you can create dynamic web applications using the same language you use in the front-end. With its event-driven, non-blocking architecture, NodeJS is ideal for applications that require high performance and scalability.

NestJS

On the other hand, NestJS is a framework built on NodeJS that uses TypeScript. It is designed to facilitate the creation of scalable and testable applications. Through a modular architecture, NestJS allows you to organize your code clearly and make the maintenance and evolution of your applications simpler.

Differences between NodeJS and NestJS

• Nature: NodeJS is a runtime, while NestJS is a framework that uses NodeJS.
• Language: NodeJS can be used with pure JavaScript, while NestJS is built in TypeScript, offering additional features such as static typing.
• Structure: NestJS provides a more organized code structure with modules, controllers, and services, facilitating scalability.

When to use NodeJS and NestJS

When to use NodeJS?

• Real-time applications: Like chats or online games, where instant communication is crucial.
• REST APIs: To build APIs that support a high volume of requests.
• Microservices: Due to its lightweight nature and performance.

When to use NestJS?

• Complex applications: When the application demands a more organized and scalable structure.
• Projects that use TypeScript: If you are already familiar with TypeScript, NestJS is a natural choice.
• Team development: NestJS's modular architecture favors collaborative work.

Practical examples

Example of application with NodeJS

Creating a simple API with NodeJS is quite straightforward. See a basic example:

const express = require('express')
const app = express()
const port = 3000

app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  res.send('Hello, World!')
})

app.listen(port, () => {
  console.log(`Server running at http://localhost:${port}`)
})

Example of application with NestJS

Now, a simple example using NestJS:

import { Module } from '@nestjs/common'
import { NestFactory } from '@nestjs/core'

@Module({})
class AppModule {}

async function bootstrap() {
  const app = await NestFactory.create(AppModule)
  await app.listen(3000)
}
bootstrap()

Benefits of using NodeJS and NestJS

• Performance: Both technologies are highly efficient and can handle a large number of simultaneous requests.
• Rich ecosystem: The community around NodeJS is robust, with numerous libraries and frameworks available.
• Scalability: With NestJS's modular architecture, scalability becomes more manageable.

Disadvantages

• Learning curve: For those coming from other languages, the transition to JavaScript/TypeScript can be challenging.
• Callback Hell: In NodeJS, managing callbacks can become complicated, although Promises and async/await have mitigated this problem.

Conclusion

NodeJS and NestJS are powerful tools in a developer's arsenal. Understanding their particularities and when to use them can make all the difference in the success of a project. If you seek to build scalable and efficient applications, these technologies deserve your attention.

Ready to accelerate your business with automation?

Contact our team and discover how we can transform your operation.

Request a quote