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 programming by handling multiple operations concurrently without waiting for each to complete.

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 the main phases of the event loop?

The main phases include timers, I/O callbacks, idle, poll, check, and close callbacks. Each phase has a specific role in managing the execution of callbacks.

How does the event loop differ from traditional threading models?

Unlike traditional threading models that use multiple threads for concurrency, the event loop runs on a single thread, which helps avoid the complexities of thread management and context switching.