PM2: Your Node.js App's Unflappable Production Manager

PM2: Your Node.js App's Unflappable Production Manager

If you've ever deployed a Node.js, Next.js, or any modern web application to a production server, you've quickly realized that simply running node server.js isn't enough. What happens if the app crashes? What if the server reboots? What if you need to handle more traffic?

The answer to all of these crucial production questions is PM2 (Process Manager 2). It's more than just a tool to run your script; it's a full-featured, battle-tested production manager that ensures your application is always on, highly available, and scalable.

Let's dive into why PM2 is an essential tool in every developer's and DevOps engineer's toolkit.


What Exactly is PM2?

PM2 is a production-ready Process Manager for Node.js applications (though it can manage scripts written in Python, Ruby, and others). It runs as a daemon process in the background, keeping a watchful eye over your application processes.

Image of PM2 process management lifecycle


Essentially, PM2 takes over the …

Serverless Doesn’t Mean No Servers: A Common Misconception Explained

Serverless Doesn’t Mean No Servers: A Common Misconception Explained

If you’re new to modern cloud development, you’ve probably heard the term “serverless” and wondered:

“How can something run without servers?”

Short answer: it can’t.

Long answer: serverless doesn’t mean there are no servers — it means you don’t manage them.

Let’s clear up one of the most common misconceptions in cloud computing.


So… What Does “Serverless” Actually Mean?

When developers say serverless, they’re not claiming that servers disappear.

What they really mean is:

You write and deploy code without worrying about servers, scaling, or infrastructure.

The servers still exist — they’re just:

  • Provisioned automatically
  • Managed by a cloud provider
  • Scaled up and down for you
  • Patched and maintained behind the scenes

You focus on business logic, not infrastructure.


Traditional Backend vs Serverless Backend

Traditional Backend (Server-Managed)

In a traditional setup, you are responsible for:

  • Renting or provisioning servers
  • Installing and updating the operating system
  • Setting up …
From Python to Java: Finding Django's Soulmate in the JVM World

From Python to Java: Finding Django's Soulmate in the JVM World

As a Django developer, you've likely grown accustomed to a certain rhythm: rapid development, "batteries-included" convenience, and an ORM that makes database interactions feel like magic. When tasked with venturing into the Java ecosystem, the immediate question often arises: "What's the Django equivalent here?"

While no two frameworks are identical across different languages, the closest spiritual successor to Django in the Java world is undoubtedly Spring Boot, especially when viewed through the lens of the broader Spring ecosystem.


The "Batteries-Included" Philosophy: Spring Boot's Approach


Django prides itself on providing a comprehensive toolkit right out of the box – an ORM, an admin interface, a templating system, and a robust URL dispatcher. This "batteries-included" approach is precisely what makes rapid prototyping and full-stack development so efficient.

In Java, Spring Boot embodies a similar philosophy. It's not just a framework; it's an opinionated layer built on top of the powerful Spring …

Unlocking Local Storage: How PWAs Can Access Folders on Your Smartphone

Unlocking Local Storage: How PWAs Can Access Folders on Your Smartphone

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have come a long way since their early days as “just a fancy bookmark.” Today, they blur the line between native apps and web experiences—loading instantly, working offline, sending push notifications, and even appearing in your home screen’s app grid. Yet one capability long reserved for native apps remained out of reach for PWAs: accessing folders on your device. Thanks to the emerging File System Access API, that’s changing—at least on Android.


Why Folder Access Matters

Imagine a mobile sketching app that saves your projects directly into a “Sketches” folder you already use in Google Drive. Or a lightweight PDF annotator that writes notes back to the very directory you organize your documents in. These seamless workflows are familiar in desktop web apps; with folder access on mobile, they become possible in PWAs too.

Until recently, web apps on smartphones could only prompt users to pick …

How AI Tools Transformed My Approach to Client Web Development

How AI Tools Transformed My Approach to Client Web Development

A few years ago, I followed a predictable path when clients approached me for web development. When a YouTube creator came to me recently needing a website to support her channel and improve its SEO, I found myself at a familiar crossroads – but this time, I made a different choice.

The Old Way: Defaulting to CMS

In the past, my instinct would have been to reach for WordPress or Joomla. These content management systems offered a comfortable familiarity and the promise of rapid deployment. Within hours, I could have a functional site up and running.

But there was always a trade-off. I'd spend days or weeks wrestling with themes, plugins, and custom code to bend these platforms to my client's specific needs. The initial speed came with a long tail of customization work, often leading to compromises in functionality or design.

My Turning Point: Choosing Django from Scratch

With …

What are the main benefits of using vanilla JavaScript in Bootstrap 5.3

What are the main benefits of using vanilla JavaScript in Bootstrap 5.3

The primary benefit of Bootstrap 5.3's shift to vanilla JavaScript is improved performance due to the removal of the jQuery dependency, resulting in faster page load times and a more streamlined user experience. This also allows for a more modern JavaScript development workflow, aligning with current web development standards. Additionally, it reduces the overall file size of Bootstrap, contributing to a leaner and more efficient framework.

1. Performance Improvement

  • Faster Load Times: By removing the jQuery dependency, Bootstrap 5.3 reduces the overall file size, leading to faster page loading times. This is particularly beneficial for mobile users and those with slower internet connections.

  • Efficient Execution: Vanilla JavaScript is executed directly by modern browsers without the need for an additional library like jQuery, which can introduce overhead.

2. Modern Browser Support

  • Native Browser Features: Most modern browsers support the features that jQuery once provided, making it …

What are the key differences between Bootstrap 5.3 and previous versions

What are the key differences between Bootstrap 5.3 and previous versions

Bootstrap 5.3 introduces several key differences compared to previous versions, particularly when compared to Bootstrap 4 and earlier. Here are some of the most significant changes:

1. JavaScript Framework

  • Bootstrap 5.3 and 5.x: These versions have moved away from jQuery, using vanilla JavaScript instead. This change makes Bootstrap lighter and more modern, improving performance and compatibility with modern browsers.

  • Previous Versions (3 & 4): These versions relied heavily on jQuery for interactive components.

2. Grid System and Layout

  • Bootstrap 5.3: Utilizes Flexbox for layout management, providing a more flexible and responsive grid system. This allows for easier customization and better support for modern web design patterns.

  • Previous Versions: While also responsive, earlier versions did not leverage Flexbox as extensively.

3. Customization and Theming

  • Bootstrap 5.3: Offers enhanced customization options through Sass variables and CSS custom properties. This includes support for multiple color modes …

How do immutable collections improve code predictability in JavaScript

How do immutable collections improve code predictability in JavaScript

Immutable collections in JavaScript improve code predictability by ensuring that data structures cannot be modified once created. This principle enhances predictability in several ways:

1. Prevents Unexpected State Changes

Immutable collections guarantee that their state remains consistent throughout the application's execution. This predictability makes it easier to reason about the code, as developers can rely on the fact that data will not change unexpectedly. For instance, when working with complex state management systems like Redux, immutability ensures that state updates are explicit and trackable, reducing the likelihood of bugs due to unintended state modifications.

2. Simplifies Debugging

Debugging becomes more straightforward with immutable data structures. Since data cannot be altered, any changes must be explicitly tracked by creating new versions of the data. This process helps developers identify where and when changes occur, making it easier to pinpoint and fix issues.

3. Enhances Concurrency Safety

Immutable collections are …

Which backend frameworks are best suited for AI integration in 2025

Which backend frameworks are best suited for AI integration in 2025

In 2025, several backend frameworks are well-suited for AI integration due to their modern design, performance capabilities, and ease of integrating machine learning libraries. Here are some of the top choices:

1. Djapy

  • Overview: Djapy is an emerging Python framework designed with AI integration in mind. It offers out-of-the-box connectors for popular machine learning libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn.

  • Features: Built-in data pipeline tools simplify the incorporation of AI-powered features into the backend. Its seamless integration with Python's scientific stack allows for rapid prototyping and deployment of AI solutions.

  • Use Cases: Ideal for projects requiring quick AI model integration and data processing.

2. FastAPI

  • Overview: FastAPI is a modern, asynchronous Python framework known for its high performance and ease of use.

  • Features: It supports various AI libraries and integrates well with data processing pipelines, making it a natural choice for adding machine learning features to applications.

  • Use Cases: Suitable …

What makes Next.js a top choice for full-stack React applications

What makes Next.js a top choice for full-stack React applications

Next.js is a top choice for full-stack React applications due to several key features and advantages that enhance development efficiency, application performance, and scalability. Here are some reasons why Next.js stands out:

1. Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and Static Site Generation (SSG)

  • Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Next.js allows React components to be rendered on the server, reducing page load times and improving SEO by making content indexable by search engines.

  • Static Site Generation (SSG): It enables pre-rendering pages at build time, resulting in fast page loads for static content.

2. API Routes

Next.js provides built-in support for creating API endpoints directly within the application, eliminating the need for a separate backend server. This feature simplifies development by allowing both frontend and backend logic to be managed within a single codebase.

3. Unified Development Experience

Next.js integrates frontend and backend development into a single project, streamlining the development process and …