Node.Js Performance Analysis: 5 Measurement Metrics to Keep in Mind

Node.Js has gained traction in the web development industry, especially in the past four years. It is the first preference of both enterprises and developers. Thus, it is no surprise that more than 50% of developers use Node.Js.

The popularity of this JavaScript runtime environment has amplified for various reasons. Unlike most server-side solutions, Node.Js is faster, affordable, and robust.

As per the W3Tech, Node.Js empowers nearly 30 million websites on the digital ecosystem. It ascertains the awesomeness of this cross-platform technology. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for Node.Js developers has increased. After all, everyone was working from home. However, we can see companies practicing this trend in years to come because the pandemic has not ended yet.

There is no doubt that Node.Js builds high-performing applications. But to keep the performance of your Node.Js app on-point, you need regular maintenance and management. If you neglect it, you may face a significantly slow Node.Js application. For this reason, you have to monitor Node.Js performance. Are you wondering how to do so? Here are performance measurement metrics to consider.

5 Metrics to measure the performance of Node.Js
You can leverage tools like retrace for Node.Js that ensure automated monitoring of your application performance. With this tool, you can access a comprehensive Node.Js performance analysis. Depending on this, you can make changes and improvements. While your on-site or freelance Node.Js developer will help you manage your application well, let us learn the Node.Js performance metrics to monitor regularly.

Memory leaks
If you store values in a heap longer than expected, memory leaks may occur in your Node.Js application. As a result, they slow down the speed and reduce the efficiency of your Node.Js project. It is a usual instance, as the heap size of each process is 1.5 GB. However, this JavaScript technology uses garbage collection to release the space. Keep a tab on the released memory from the garbage collection to prevent memory leaks. Besides this, you need to monitor the heap size and heap usage.
User-facing latencies
API plays an essential role in transferring information from interface to interface like a mobile app. Thus, it is crucial to make sure APIs perform well from the user end. With this, you can prevent any unwanted latencies during user interactions. But the question is how to check if the API behaves appropriately? The answer is monitoring user-facing latencies.

If you want to boost customer retention and user experience, the pages should be fast loading and optimized. When you measure user-facing latencies, look for the following aspects, such as:
- Request rates
- Content size
- Response time
- Error rates
Event-loop blocking
Do you know why the processes in the Node.Js application are faster? It is because the event-loop performs requests asynchronously without blocking any of them. Thus, it is known as non-blocking I/O.

When it comes to the event loop, it is a construct of JavaScript. Its primary purpose is to carry out a block of synchronous code. Usually, even loop executes each request one by one. But since Node.Js runs on single-threaded and non-blocking, it processes tasks through callbacks. As a result, code from two or more transactions will merge and wait in the Event Queue. It can potentially block the event loop and affect the performance of another transaction.

No doubt, the model ensures faster transactions. But the performance of transactions in the Event Queue can slow down significantly. So, it is vital to monitor the event loop and identify the behavior of a request before processing it.
Topology of Node.Js application
Another essential Node.Js performance measurement metric is application topology. In simple words, you need to monitor the layout of crucial functions and connections of your app. The goal of measuring your application topology is to check whether your environment can meet your size needs or not. For this, you are required to access the container performance and user-facing load of your application. If your application is slow, it means you do not have enough servers to fulfill your user-facing demand.
Overall system health
Most people think that application downtime is not a big deal. But delays in fixing the issue can cost you a hefty amount. Additionally, it can affect your customer experience while making your system vulnerable to data breaching threats. Therefore, it is essential to measure the overall health and behavior of your Node.Js application. When accessing your application, watch out for these aspects, such as:
- You have enough and well-functioning servers
- Keep track of the memory released from the garbage collection
- Event loops are optimized

A pro tip: The best way to prevent system downtimes and crashes is by using APM tools. They help you monitor your application behavior with ease.

Wrapping up

Node.Js is best known for building high-performing applications. But Node.Js applications tend to slow down because of dynamic typing and the Chrome V8 engine. The latter on facing CPU-intensive processes tend to perform poorly. Therefore, Node.Js requires performance maintenance. To make your Node.Js application run optimally, consider these performance measurement metrics. If you are searching for a reliable Node.Js developer, get in touch with SoftProdigy. We house a range of developers with the necessary experience, skills, and knowledge in the field.

FAQs

Is Node.Js a high-performing technology?

Indeed, Node.Js is primarily known for building high-performing and scalable web applications. All thanks to its Event-driven architecture and non-blocking requests running on a single thread.

Why does Node.Js app require regular monitoring?

Node.Js is a highly performant technology, but certain problems can cause slow performance. Therefore, to fix these issues, it needs continuous maintenance.

What causes slow performance in Node.Js applications?

Node.Js is single-threaded when it receives heavy requests like CPU/IO-bound operation, it faces slow performance.

What are the common challenges you face with Node.Js?

Besides numerous advantages, Node.Js has some limitations as well. Some of the common problems are stability challenges, extensive stack, technical debt, poor documentation, and more.

How to improve the performance of your Node.Js application?

The best way to boost your Node.Js app performance is by regularly maintaining and monitoring. With this, you can prevent performance issues or detect and fix them early.

Which are the best Node.Js monitoring tools?

Thanks to technology and tools, monitoring Node.Js made easy like never before. Some of the tools to use are Retrace, Express Status Monitor, PM2, and Appmetrics.