Environment variables are declared to define how software will interact with the operating system and users. It provides flexibility to developers to customize the applications as per unique business requirements.
Since there are many operating systems on the market, it becomes difficult to make a cross-platform system that runs smoothly on all devices.
However, with Node.js, this is not the same, as we can build an extremely light-weight application that can run on any operating system by declaring an environment variable.
Let’s understand the fundamental concept of environment variables in Node.js applications.
What does the environment variable mean?
A variable is like a container that stores values or information. It can be static as well as dynamic data or information that is stored in a variable.
An environment variable is a dynamic variable that is stored at the operating system level to adapt the behavior of the software without modifying the code directly, which provides flexibility to developers to build platform-independent applications for businesses in modern times.
These variables stores information about the configuration settings at the operating system level, user preferences and executable files that are necessary for smooth functioning of applications.
How to declare an environment variable in a Node.js application?
We can implement the environment variable during the process of NodeJS application development by accessing the process.env object. Before launching the Node.js project, developers can set the environment variables in the terminal.
We can also retrieve the value from the terminal using process.env.key command. Configuring environment variables provides flexibility and freedom to code for developers, and they can easily build platform-independent applications with ease.
What is the significance of the environment variable in Node.js applications?
There are multiple benefits to implementing environment variables in Node.js applications. First of all, it provides an opportunity for developers to configure the application settings and set how it should interact with the operating system and how code should behave on a specific operating system.
This helps us build cross-platform applications by declaring them separately for all operating systems. Using environment variables, coders or programmers can adhere to best practices for building robust, scalable, and high-performance applications for businesses.
Applications of Environment variables
- API integration: Environment variables are essential when we are configuring API in NodeJS development project. If the new technology is being introduced in the application, we need to set the environment variable for API properly.
- Third-party integration: At times, we want to save development time and cost by integrating third-party applications in our applications with the help of secured API. We need to declare the environment variables to set the configuration of the applications and make it adaptable.
Also Read: Integrating Node.js with Front-End Frameworks
Benefits of using environment variable in Node.js application
Environment variables are declared at the operating system level that allow applications to behave as per coding logic with different operating system.
Environment variables are used in gaming industry for building real-time applications that allow multiple online gamers to play on specific server together.
They can interact between their team members without interfering with the other team members. The Environment variable in Node.js applications is what makes these features possible.
Configuration Management
In an event-driven architecture or microservices architecture of large-scale industry, it becomes difficult and challenging to manage the different configurations. However, with environmental variables, we can manage these challenges efficiently.
Security Credentials
Node.js applications use various security measures to restrict unauthorized access to them. These security credentials are declared at the beginning of Node.js project development.
CI/CD Pipelines
In order to ensure that applications are updated and optimized for smooth business operations, we need continuous integration and continuous development by implementing CI/CD pipelines using Node.js.
Dynamic Application Behavior
Dynamic application behavior requires robust and secure database connectivity, which can be made efficiently with NodeJS. Node.js allows us to execute database queries faster, and caching allows us to store frequently requested data on the server, which improves the application’s performance.
How do I find the best NodeJS development company in Australia?
Finding NodeJS Development Company in AU can be challenging task as there are lots of companies. Here are some ways we can find the best NodeJS development company in Australia:.
Searching on Bing, Yahoo or Google
We can search for NodeJS development keywords on Bing, Yahoo and Google. The search engine result pages consists of sponsored ads that NodeJS development companies might opt to display at the top of the results, professional websites, business directory sites, etc.
Exploring social media profiles
Nodejs development company stay active in social media platforms, shares valuable contents related to NodeJS development, explains the latest advancements in NodeJS, and keeps their followers up to date with NodeJS development trends.
Seeking recommendation from previous clients
If you have any friends, colleagues or business partners who have recently taken NodeJS development services, we can approach them and seek recommendations. This helps us get more discounts on NodeJS development projects.
Searching on business directories or local classified sites online
We can also find the details of company offering NodeJS application development in Australia by checking online business directory sites like Google my business or Bing business directory.
These directories provide necessary information, like contact details and business addresses, with navigation of maps for finding the exact location. By checking their comments, reviews and feedback on their Google my business profiles, we can analyze whether the company is capable of handling our NodeJS development project or not.
To sum up, we must say that NodeJS development company in us plays important and crucial role in declaring the environment variable of the NodeJS applications and make it adaptive for all operating systems.
Node.js applications are fast, secure and have high performance, that makes real-time applications more efficient to be used in business for completing specific tasks. It allows us to bring about transformative change in business process and revolutionize business operation.
Hiring NodeJS consultants can be an excellent idea for business owners, as they formulate cost-effective and powerful NodeJS development plans and help business owners make data-driven business decisions to achieve specific business goals.