NodeJS Internals and Architecture from Udemy

My favorite thing in software engineering is the art of making it transparent.

Node is one of the most popular runtimes used on backend engineering yet I feel it is the least understood. I surely felt this way at times.

I spent months working on a course to demystify NodeJS Internals and Architecture and distilled this in this comprehensive course.

I built this course is for the engineers who can't stand working with something opaque.

They love to understand what is running behind the engine.

They enjoy tearing apart 1 the line of code into its original 1000 lines.

They question why is the output of a Node program is unpredictable.

They want to know when does the Node process exit.

They want to know why Node takes so long to start in some cases.

They appreciate how Node works on all operating systems and would like to know how it does that.

For example by understanding the internals of HTTP module, you can write a backend in Node that accepts and process more requests. Every line of code you write you would think of how and when Node will process it.

By understanding the event loop and the different stages you can tune and re-order your code to achieve best performance and even consistent result.

Ever wrote a program in Node that fails 1% of the time while succeeds 99%? Understanding Node architecture helps you make your program predicable. As opposed to adding workaround because you don't understand. We all did that.

It is all about removing blockage and letting the main loop phases “breath”. When we build software the problem is we often go against the grain. Understanding where the friction is in Node allow you to work with it as oppose to against it.

In this course I cover the following

- NodeJS Architecture

I cover the various phases in the event loop and what exactly happens in each phase, how promises are just callbacks, how and when modules are loaded and their effect on performance, Node packages anatomy and more

- Node Internals

This is where we go one layer deeper, how Node truly achieves asynchronous IO with libuv, and how each protocol in node is implemented. How concurrent node works on both user level threads and process level.

- Node Optimization and Performance

Now that we understand the internals and architecture of Node, this is where we discuss tips how to make the code runs more efficiently and more performance. And only when we exhaust all other avenues Node provides ways to extend it with C++ add-ons where JavaScript just can't no longer hold.

This course is for intermediate students who are familiar with Node and want to understand how it works. While not required, I recommend taking the fundamentals of operating system course as a prerequisite of this course.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Nodejs architecture
Nodejs protocols, file and socket programming internals
Optimize node js

Writing efficient code
Multi-threaded node

Nodejs architecture
Nodejs protocols, file and socket programming internals
Optimize node js
Writing efficient code
Multi-threaded node

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to Node Internals and Architecture course. If you choose this course chances that you have already use Node. This is not a course about how to get started with NodeJS, it is a course to understand everything there is about the internals of NodeJS so you can take advantage of it.

This course for software engineers who use Node and want to take their understanding of this runtime to the next level. Write efficient code, optimize Node, and take advantage of Node various features to unlock potentials.

Because this course will dive into the bowls of the OS, I recommend taking my fundamentals of operating systems.

Any OS will work, Linux or Mac machine preferred since we will use the various tooling on UNI* not available on Windows.

Node version 20-22

We discuss how compiled and Interpreted languages work, and how V8 the engine behind Node can compile javascript to machine code if the function is hot.

This is an overview of the event loop, a critical piece of the Node runtime.

Before anything can run, we synchronously execute all code in the main module before we event start the loop. This is called the initial phase.

We explain how promises, async await are callbacks behind the scenes.

Node exits when there is no code to execute. While it may appear that we don't have any code executing, Node is working behind the scenes, example is listening, accepting and reading from connections.

We will do an strace to prove that while we appear to not have any code running, Node still does.

Go through the libuv io phases, event loop, thread pool

The OS course

In this lecture we discuss how node performs network io as a client and as a server

show that passing file descriptors are faster.

how it works

reading sync vs async ,

do strace

What is really happening?

We discuss NodeJS streams

OS course

doing a memory and time

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the event loop phases, which allows developers to tune and re-order code for optimal performance and consistent results, leading to more predictable applications

Covers extending Node with C++ add-ons, which is useful when JavaScript performance is insufficient, providing a pathway for advanced optimization and specialized functionality

Examines Node's asynchronous I/O with libuv, which is essential for understanding how Node achieves concurrency and handles multiple operations efficiently

Requires familiarity with Node and recommends prior completion of an operating systems fundamentals course, which may pose a barrier for some learners

Uses Node versions 20-22, which are relatively recent and still supported, ensuring the course content remains relevant and applicable to current development practices

Analyzes the anatomy of Node packages, which is crucial for understanding how modules are structured and loaded, impacting application performance and maintainability

Reviews summary

Deep dive into node.js core

According to learners, this course offers a profound and practical understanding of Node.js internals and architecture. Students highlight its success in demystifying complex topics like the event loop, libuv, and performance optimization. Many find the content highly valuable for professional development, enabling them to write more efficient and predictable Node.js applications. The course is specifically aimed at intermediate to advanced developers already familiar with Node.js basics, effectively serving its target audience. While some sections might benefit from minor updates or expanded coverage, the core material is widely regarded as essential for serious Node.js engineers.

Recommended OS knowledge helps, as noted by instructor.

"Understanding operating system fundamentals beforehand is highly recommended."

"Some parts make more sense if you have a background in OS concepts."

"While not strictly required, having taken the OS course helps tremendously."

Suitable for those already comfortable with Node.js fundamentals.

"Definitely requires prior experience with Node.js; not for beginners."

"Perfect for intermediate developers looking to level up their knowledge."

"Assumes familiarity with basic Node concepts and JavaScript."

Covers a wide range of internal Node.js components.

"Comprehensive coverage of event loop, modules, I/O, and more."

"Explores network protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP) at a low level."

"Liked the sections on worker threads and child processes."

Complex topics are broken down effectively.

"The instructor explains complex concepts clearly and concisely."

"Found the lectures on libuv and threading particularly well-explained."

"Even difficult subjects like C++ add-ons were made understandable."

Knowledge gained is applicable to real-world optimization.

"The optimization tips are practical and immediately useful."

"Helped me identify bottlenecks and write more performant code."

"I can now better debug and predict the behavior of my Node applications."

Course provides deep insights into Node.js's inner workings.

"This course really demystifies the inner workings of Node."

"Gained a much deeper understanding of how Node handles I/O and concurrency."

"Helped me understand what's happening behind the scenes in Node.js."

"Finally understand the event loop properly!"

Some content could benefit from minor version updates.

"A few examples seemed slightly outdated with very recent Node versions."

"Hope the course gets minor updates to reflect the latest features/changes."

"The core principles are timeless, but specific details might shift with Node releases."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in NodeJS Internals and Architecture with these activities:

Review Operating System Fundamentals

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of operating system concepts, which are crucial for understanding Node.js internals, especially libuv and asynchronous I/O.

Browse courses on Operating Systems

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Review process management concepts.
Study memory management techniques.
Understand file system operations.

Read 'Node.js Design Patterns'

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Familiarize yourself with common design patterns used in Node.js applications to better understand how the underlying architecture is utilized.

View Node.js Design Patterns: Master a series of... on Amazon

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Select a chapter on a relevant design pattern.
Study the code examples.
Consider how the pattern relates to Node.js internals.

Implement custom event emitter

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Practice implementing a custom event emitter to solidify your understanding of the event loop and callback mechanisms in Node.js.

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Create a class that extends EventEmitter.
Implement methods for emitting and listening to events.
Test the event emitter with different event types.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Read 'Mastering Node.js'

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Explore advanced Node.js concepts and techniques to further enhance your understanding of the runtime environment.

View Mastering Node.js - Second Edition on Amazon

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Choose a chapter on a topic of interest.
Study the code examples and explanations.
Experiment with the techniques in your own projects.

Blog post: Deep Dive into the Event Loop

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Solidify your understanding of the event loop by writing a blog post explaining its phases and how it affects application performance.

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Research the different phases of the event loop.
Write a clear and concise explanation of each phase.
Include examples of how the event loop impacts performance.
Publish the blog post on a platform like Medium.

Contribute to a Node.js module

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Deepen your understanding of Node.js internals by contributing to an open-source module, such as fixing bugs or adding new features.

Show steps

Find a Node.js module on GitHub.
Identify an issue or feature to work on.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Build a custom HTTP server

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Gain hands-on experience with Node.js internals by building a custom HTTP server from scratch, focusing on handling requests and responses efficiently.

Show steps

Implement basic HTTP request parsing.
Handle different HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.).
Implement response handling and error handling.
Test the server with various clients and requests.

Career center

Learners who complete NodeJS Internals and Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Performance Engineer

A performance engineer is responsible for optimizing software for speed and efficiency. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture helps you identify and address performance bottlenecks in Node.js applications. By understanding how the event loop works, how asynchronous operations are handled, and how garbage collection is performed, you can fine tune your code and configuration for optimal performance. The course optimizes Node and provides you with tips for best performance. Understanding Node architecture helps you make your program predicable. For a performance engineer, this course is for identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Performance Engineer

Backend Engineer

As a backend engineer, a primary responsibility is crafting efficient and scalable server side logic. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture helps you to develop a deeper understanding of the Node runtime environment. This understanding is vital for writing truly performant and predictable backend code. Knowing how the event loop operates, how asynchronous operations are handled, and how modules are loaded allows you to optimize your code for maximum efficiency. Understanding the http module helps a backend engineer write backends in Node that process more requests. If you are a backend engineer, this course helps you remove blockages in your code through an appreciation of how Node works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Backend Engineer

Systems Programmer

The systems programmer works closely with the operating system and hardware. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture can provide valuable insights into how Node.js interacts with the underlying system. A systems programmer with knowledge of Node.js internals can optimize its performance, troubleshoot issues, and potentially even extend its capabilities. The course covers the various phases in the event loop, what happens in each phase, how promises are just callbacks, and how modules are loaded. If you are a systems programmer, this course helps make systems run more efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Programmer

Application Developer

Application developers create software programs for various platforms. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture gives you an in depth understanding of the Node.js runtime environment. Application developers can leverage this knowledge to write more efficient, reliable, and scalable applications. Understanding the event loop, asynchronous programming, and memory management can lead to more robust and performant applications. You can then tune and re order your code to achieve best performance and even consistent results. This course is for any application developer who wants to understand exactly how Node works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Full stack developers work on both the front end and back end of web applications. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture will benefit you if you want to deepen your understanding of the back end. A full stack developer with a solid understanding of Node.js internals can build more efficient and scalable applications. Understanding how Node.js handles requests, manages resources, and interacts with databases helps you to make informed decisions about code structure and optimization. You can write efficient code, optimize Node, and take advantage of Node various features to unlock potentials. For a full stack developer, this course is for taking your understanding of this runtime to the next level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Software Consultant

Software consultants advise businesses on technology solutions. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture helps you to provide expert guidance on Node.js based projects. A consultant who understands the underlying architecture of Node.js can help clients make informed decisions about technology choices, system design, and performance optimization. You will be able to help companies make software that runs more efficiently. For software consultants, this course is for ensuring that your advice is informed with a knowledge of the internals.

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Software Architect

The software architect designs the high level structure of software systems. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture can help you make informed technology decisions. Understanding the intricacies of Node.js allows you to design systems that are both scalable and maintainable. Software architecture requires a holistic understanding of how different components interact, and this course provides the necessary insights into Node.js to make informed choices about its role in the overall architecture. Understanding the event loop helps a software architect tune and re order your code to achieve best performance and even consistent results. This course may be useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Solutions Architect

The solutions architect is responsible for designing robust and scalable systems. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture provides insights into the inner workings of Node.js. This enables you to make informed decisions about technology choices and system design. A solutions architect with a strong grasp of Node.js internals can design architectures that leverage its asynchronous, event driven nature to achieve optimal performance and responsiveness. You can tune and re order your code to achieve best performance and even consistent results. This course may be useful, since the ability to view the big picture and solve complex problems is a key ingredient to success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

Technical Lead

The technical lead guides and mentors a team of developers. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture positions you as an expert in Node.js. A technical lead who understands the intricacies of Node.js can provide valuable guidance to their team, helping them to write more efficient, reliable, and scalable code. This course helps with writing efficient code, optimizing Node, and taking advantage of Node various features to unlock potentials. This course may be useful since this knowledge can be passed on to the team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Lead

DevOps Engineer

The DevOps engineer focuses on automating and optimizing the software development lifecycle. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture equips you with the knowledge to troubleshoot and optimize Node.js applications in production environments. Understanding how Node.js interacts with the operating system, how it handles concurrency, and how it manages resources helps you to diagnose performance bottlenecks and implement effective solutions. You will be able to optimize Node and tune for performance. This course may be useful for you, since it will help you use your knowledge of the architecture to debug any issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded systems engineers design and develop software for embedded devices. Node.js is becoming increasingly relevant in the world of embedded systems. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture may equip you to optimize Node.js for resource constrained environments. You will need to consider memory usage and concurrency. You may be able to tune and re order your code to achieve best performance. For an embedded systems engineer, this course may be useful because it goes into the lower level details of Node.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Database Administrator

Database administrators are in charge of maintaining databases. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture may help you optimize the interaction between Node.js applications and databases. Understanding asynchronous operations and connection pooling can improve database performance and scalability. Understanding the Node architecture helps you make your program predicable. So for a database administrator, this course may be useful because it will help you work with applications that use Node.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. While this course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture is not directly focused on security, understanding how Node.js works internally can help you identify potential security vulnerabilities. Knowing how Node.js handles requests and manages resources can inform security best practices. Understanding Node architecture helps make your program predicable. For an information security analyst, this course may be useful because it provides an understanding of the inner workings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Data Scientist

Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights. While not a primary tool, Node.js can be used in data science pipelines for tasks such as data ingestion, preprocessing, and API development. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture may help you optimize Node.js for these tasks. Understanding the event loop, asynchronous programming, and memory management can improve the performance of data processing pipelines. The course also discusses how to make the code run more efficiently and more performantly. This course may be useful for a data scientist.

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Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation for software and hardware. This course on NodeJS Internals and Architecture can help you produce more accurate and informative documentation for Node.js based projects. Understanding the intricacies of Node.js allows you to explain its behavior and usage more effectively. Understanding how Node architecture helps you make your program predicable. For a technical writer, this course may be useful for providing clarity and insight on Node.js.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in NodeJS Internals and Architecture.

Mastering Node.js

Save

Provides an in-depth exploration of advanced Node.js concepts and techniques. It covers topics such as performance optimization, security, and deployment strategies. While it may not delve as deeply into the absolute lowest-level internals as the course, it offers a practical perspective on building and scaling Node.js applications. It is particularly useful for understanding how to apply the knowledge gained in the course to real-world projects and is often used by industry professionals.

Mastering Node.js - Second Edition

Paperback

Mastering Node.js - Second Edition: Build robust...

Kindle Edition

Node.js Design Patterns

Save

Explores various design patterns applicable to Node.js development. It provides practical examples and guidance on structuring Node.js applications for scalability and maintainability. While not strictly about internals, it offers valuable insights into building robust applications that leverage Node.js architecture effectively. It useful reference for understanding how to apply architectural principles in real-world scenarios.

Node.js Design Patterns: Master a series of...

Kindle Edition

NodeJS Internals and Architecture

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into node.js core

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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