What is the Node.js event loop and how does it work?

What is the Node.js event loop and how does it work?

The Node.js event loop is a mechanism that allows Node.js to perform non-blocking I/O operations. It enables asynchronous processing by using a single-threaded model, which helps in handling multiple operations concurrently.

Can you explain how it handles asynchronous operations?

Sure! The event loop uses a callback queue to manage asynchronous operations. When an async operation completes, its callback is pushed to the queue, and the event loop processes these callbacks one by one.

What are some common use cases for the event loop?

Common use cases include handling HTTP requests, reading files, and interacting with databases, all of which can be done without blocking the main thread.

How does it differ from traditional multi-threading?

Unlike traditional multi-threading, which uses multiple threads to handle tasks, the event loop runs on a single thread, making it more efficient for I/O-bound tasks but less suitable for CPU-bound tasks.