Node.js has been getting a lot of attention in the technical press. Node.js catapults JavaScript out of the browser and on to the server. In other words, Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment. The Node run-time environment includes everything you need to execute a program written in JavaScript.There are a lot of benefits with this arrangement. Companies such as LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Walmart, among many others, have adopted Node.js to act as API and web publishing endpoints for many of their applications. Node’s lightweight asynchronous architecture means that it can reliably support thousands of current connections with only a moderate amount of hardware. For the web developer, this has offered a whole new world of opportunities. Web developers can now compliment their front end work with back end services without relying on already overworked back end developers.
If you have decided to bring Node.js into your organization, or your developers are clamoring to use it, then you will probably need some Node.js development talent. The way JavaScript is employed in Node is not exactly the same as it is in the browser, so web development experience is not necessarily enough to make a good Node.js developer. Here are some things to know that will help you to identify the best Node.js talent out there.
JavaScript is JavaScript is JavaScript
JavaScript in the browser is the same as JavaScript on the server which is the same as JavaScript running on a Raspberry Pi. This is one of the attractive features of JavaScript. The language is the same on all the platforms it has been ported to. This means that JavaScript developers can work in all kinds of environments: browsers, servers, drones, Internet of Things, etc.
It is important for candidates to understand the ubiquitous parts of JavaScript.. For this reason, it is important for you to spend time finding the candidate’s comfort level with it. This is different than gauging their browser- based JavaScript knowledge. It is important that the candidate understands the language itself. It’s best to search for resources like Front End Developer Interview Questions that have sections devoted to non-browser specific JavaScript questions. Questions about asynchronous operations, objects, prototypical inheritance, and basic flow operations are key.
JavaScript works roughly the same in all those environments, but working in one environment doesn’t mean the developer has the skills to work in another. Using JavaScript in Node.js is syntactically the same as in the browser, but you can’t perform all the same operations. When interviewing for a Node.js developer, spend some time to make sure the candidate can answer some Node.js specific interview questions, such as 10 Interview Questions on Node.js or Top 25 Interview Questions on Node.js.
So now that we have covered a bit of the basics, let’s get into some tips for hiring great Node.js developers.
1) Look for a Node.js developer who is active in their community, or open to becoming active
2) Talk to The Prospect Directly
3) Additional Skills
Good Luck
Node.js is a very popular technology in the already hot market for JavaScript developers. Node.js developers can be flexible and are often fielding opportunities for both Node.js and traditional front-end roles. One thing most Node.js developers will have in common is a desire to experiment and take risks. Providing them an environment where they can continue their Node.js education will go a long way towards enticing a great developer.
Shoot me an email at us@bandofcoders.com and let’s start talking.
By David Posin