Although JavaScript has been around since the mid-1990s, in the last few years it has become increasingly popular for large and complex tasks. Node.js, a relatively new platform for the language, has contributed significantly to JavaScript's expanding role in development.
Based on Google's V8 JavaScript Engine, Node.js provides an environment for creating robust network-based applications. But, you don't have to be a highly skilled programmer with years of coding experience to get started. In fact, part of what makes Node.js so attractive to people at all technical skill levels is its relatively easy learning curve.
While Node.js is capable of solving many different programming problems, it's particularly adept at creating servers. This is especially useful for web designers who need a way to build websites on their own computer but either don't want to or can't get more traditional HTTP servers, like Apache, up and running.
To find out how to create your own web server in just a few lines of JavaScript, check out Write Your Own Open Source Web Server with Node.js.
Image © Dave Rankin
Great article.