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NodeOS: The JavaScript Based Operating System

Unlike other JavaScript development tools, Node.js is developed as a cross-platform runtime engine. It interprets JavaScript code using Google’s V8 JavaScript engine. The V8 JavaScript engine converts JavaScript code into native machine code. But Node.js enables web developers to write both front-end and back-end code in JavaScript. Also, it uses a fast, consistent and dependable package manager like npm to make it easier for developers to specify and install project dependencies without putting extra time and effort.

The web developers also have option to avail NodeOS, a lightweight operating system designed based on Node.js. The project was initially introduced by Jacob Groundwater in 2013. Jacob Groundwater has already made release candidates of NodeOS available to developers for testing and bug detection. Hence, the developers will soon have option to use version 1.0 of NodeOS in production environments. However, it is also important for the developers to understand the key features and technologies that make NodeOS different from other operating systems.



Overview of Key Features of NodeOS

Developed on top of Linux Kernel
The lightweight operating system in designed on top of the Linux kernel. It uses the Linux critical to accomplish a variety of performance critical tasks including hardware interactions. The developers can run the applications written by targeting Linux operating system on NodeOS with minimal changes.

Uses Node.js as Its Primary Runtime
Unlike other operating systems, NodeOS is written in JavaScript. It uses Linux kernel to accomplish most performance critical tasks. But it used Node.js to accomplish all remaining tasks. So the users can take advantage of various features and tools provided by the cross-platform runtime engine. Also, they can manage project dependencies efficiently with npm.

Uses npm as Its Primary Package Manager
NodeOS further aims to extend and enhance the functionality of npm as a robust package manager. As the operating system uses npm as its primary package mangers, the developers can use any npm package as a NodeOS package. Hence, the users have option to use more than 244,180 packages. Also, they can easily avail the new npm packages being updated by other developers on a regular basis.

Different Layers of the Operating System
The core NodeOS is divided into a number of layers including barebones, initramfs, rootfs and usersfs. Each layer has its own structure and file system. Barebones include the custom Linux kernel and initramfs. As the initram file system, initramfs facilitates mounting of users partitions and booting the system and Node.js REPL. At the same time, rootfs includes the read-only partition images require for hosting the Linux kernel and initramfs files, whereas usersfs contains the multi-user file system used by conventional operating systems.

Keeps the System Secure
NodeOS allows each user to work with isolated file systems. Each user can further use a distinct file system hierarchy to install the packages globally. When a hacker accesses the operating system through a specific user account or profile, he will be able to access only the partition of the specific user. He will lack all options to access the partition of other users. Hence, no hacker can completely affect the security of the entire system.

Aims to Run on Many Platforms
The developers of NodeOS aim to make the lightweight operating system run on many devices and platforms. Hence, users will have option to run NodeOS on their personal computers and other real hardware. At the same time, they can also run the operating system on virtual machines, cloud platforms, containers and PaaS providers.


The developers can gather information about the release date of NodeOS 1.0 from the release roadmap posted on Github. They can further consider using the lightweight operating system to build responsive applications by leveraging the features of JavaScript. But many analysts find it difficult to review or evaluate NodeOS properly as it is still a work in progress.

Why Would Companies Hire JavaScript Developers?

Companies are of late putting more emphasis on hiring JavaScript developers. The businesses are nowadays spending a good deal of money, time as well as efforts to recruit talented, especially the younger and fresher ones mainly for their quality of expertise and because of the fact that they are in tune with the latest technology and trend of development.

Now, there are a number of reasons why modern businesses are putting their money on JavaScript developers.

The primary reason why businesses bank on these is their background education. Most of candidates have a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, information technology and other degrees that are pertinent with the niche of business that is run by the companies.

However, certain businesses put more emphasis on the experienced, rather than the degrees they possess. That is a different issue altogether though.

Businesses put money because of a solid understanding of the software development life cycle which these professionals have. Plus, they have a strong concept - a fact that augments their programming skills for the client-side as well as server-side languages. This is extremely important as not every project or client needs only JavaScript but the ancillary programming platforms as well. Moreover, when it comes to personal traits, these professionals have extremely strong analytical skills along with trouble shooting expertise - a fact that comes in extremely handy in software development. Moreover, they have the needed psychological getup to work in sync with others in a team. That is itself a reason enough for companies to hire them.

Apart from all these issues, good to know their responsibilities and have an excellent professional outlook that make all the difference. The majority of the JavaScript development programs are particularly designed as well as developed for web-based along with different server-based applications that are generally used on web sites and computer systems.

After development, it is necessary to evaluate the programs properly. A good developer would also have the expertise to evaluate these programming scripts and hence, companies hire them to cut costs as a programmer will be able to develop as well as evaluate the scripts. They are also expert in testing the language extensively to see whether it is functioning properly before it is handed over to the client. They also ensure that the script is totally free of bugs.

These professionals, especially the fresh pass outs have an extensive knowledge on the latest Java Virtual Machine or JVM languages and this helps them complete the tasks faster. They are also are expert in building an application that will make the language simpler. This at the end of the day saves a lot of money for the companies.

The key for the companies is to look for the best engineers who are involved in the software development community so that they are in tune with the latest technology and are fresh from the point of view of concept-creation. This is to make sure that the businesses get maximum return from the investment they put on JavaScript developers who are the mainstay of business development.

Experts are not only skilled and experienced, but they are proficient in other languages as well, like c, C++, Net, Python, Joomla and so on. They have impeccable skills. So, though hiring such a professional is quite cost-effective, taking into account today's inflation, still companies vie on them as this pays off in the short as well as long run subsequently. However, in order to save costs of late companies are growing a propensity of hiring offshore professionals instead of employing individuals on a full time basis. These professionals offer maintenance as well as other ancillary services at no additional costs and this helps the companies to cut costs to a large extent.


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