Node.js, created by Ryan Dahl and originally released in 2009, is an open source runtime for JavaScript that runs outside of a browser. It may seem new, but it has gained a large foothold in its time, including major corporations. One fact that most people don't know, however, is that Node.js is not the first implementation of server-side JavaScript. That distinction again belongs to Netscape, years prior. However, many considered the language not developed enough, so its usage in this vein was limited to the point of nonexistence.
Dahl sought to bring the server side and the client side closer together. Historically, there was quite a separation of concerns between the two sides of the application. JavaScript could work with the frontend, but querying the server was a continual process. The story goes that Dahl was inspired to create Node.js when he became frustrated that file upload progress bars had to rely on constant communication with the server. Node...
