How do you design a highly scalable Node.js architecture?
A scalable Node.js architecture should use stateless application instances behind a load balancer, efficient database access and connection pooling, proper indexes, caching where appropriate, asynchronous background processing, queues for decoupled workloads, timeouts and retries for dependencies, rate limiting, and strong observability. Horizontal scaling should be supported by externalizing persistent state. The architecture should also include health checks, graceful shutdown, security controls, automated testing, and reliable deployment practices.
Key Takeaways
- Keep application instances stateless.
- Use load balancing for horizontal scaling.
- Use caching and queues where appropriate.
- Optimize database access and connection pools.
- Include observability and resilience mechanisms.
Knowledge Check
Which architecture best supports horizontal scaling?