Backend DevelopmentNode.js Best Practices for Scalable Backend Systems
Alex Rodriguez
Backend Architect
Building scalable backend systems with Node.js requires more than just knowing JavaScript. Here are the practices that separate production-ready systems from prototypes.
Async/Await Error Handling
Proper error handling is crucial. Always use try-catch blocks with async/await and implement centralized error handling middleware to prevent crashes and provide meaningful error responses.
Database Connection Pooling
Never create a new database connection for each request. Use connection pooling to reuse connections efficiently and prevent resource exhaustion under load.
Caching Strategies
Implement multi-layer caching with Redis for frequently accessed data. We've seen 10x performance improvements with proper caching strategies.
Monitoring and Logging
Use structured logging with tools like Winston or Pino. Implement APM solutions to track performance metrics and identify bottlenecks before they impact users.
Security Hardening
Always validate input, use helmet.js for security headers, implement rate limiting, and keep dependencies updated. Security isn't optional.
Microservices Architecture
For large-scale applications, consider breaking monoliths into microservices. Use message queues for inter-service communication and implement circuit breakers for resilience.
