We will see what Node.js means for a PHP programmer. A programming language built on top of Google’s V8 engine. Executing loops, with asynchronous IO. Node.js as a shell server, and web server. Javascript as a very flexible language, with little of the programming bloatware that’s common on other languages. A package ecosystem, very similar to PHP’s Composer. Instead of dealing with lots of functions (as we are used to with PHP), Node has modules, that we can install and utilize at any point.
Where Node.js really shines and distinguishes itself from PHP is in realtime services. We will learn about its socket and websocket support, and how important true asynchronous IO is. We will also learn about the price we have to pay for this: callbacks.
But we don’t want to walk away from our beloved PHP, so we will integrate PHP with Node.js. First approach: PHP + browser + Node.js, with little communication between PHP and Node. Then we’ll jump right into integrating Node code from PHP. dnode modules (sync and async.) And before we end the session… surprises, and tutti li fiocci!