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Oct 16, 2025
15m:14s
Event Loop & Async Basics
Classification
Software Engineering | Languages | JavaScript | Node
Keywords
javascript | node
About This Episode:
👉 JavaScript is single-threaded… so how does Node.js handle multiple tasks at once without freezing up? ⚡️
In this episode, we break down the event loop and explore the core async patterns every Node developer needs to know:
💥 You’ll learn:
- The single-threaded event loop and how Node.js handles I/O using libuv.
- Why non-blocking execution makes Node.js great for scalable servers.
- Callbacks (and why they can lead to callback hell 😱).
- Promises as a cleaner, modern alternative.
- Async/Await — syntactic sugar that makes async code look synchronous.
⚡️ With practical code examples, you’ll see how to move from nested callbacks ➡️ chained promises ➡️ clean async/await.
👉 Key takeaway: Mastering async is essential for writing reliable Node.js applications.
💡 Relevant Links
Previous TekCasts series:
- JavaScript for Beginners: https://tekcasts.com/play/javascript-for-beginners-what-is-javascript
- JavaScript in the Browser: https://tekcasts.com/play/javascript-in-the-browser-browser-runtime-environment
Official Docs & References:
- Node.js Blocking vs Non-blocking: https://nodejs.org/en/learn/asynchronous-work/overview-of-blocking-vs-non-blocking
- MDN Promise Docs: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Promise
- MDN Async/Await Guide: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn_web_development/Extensions/Async_JS/Promises
- Understanding libuv: https://zmushegh.medium.com/understanding-libuv-the-powerhouse-behind-node-js-b5349c8f0d75
In this episode, we break down the event loop and explore the core async patterns every Node developer needs to know:
💥 You’ll learn:
- The single-threaded event loop and how Node.js handles I/O using libuv.
- Why non-blocking execution makes Node.js great for scalable servers.
- Callbacks (and why they can lead to callback hell 😱).
- Promises as a cleaner, modern alternative.
- Async/Await — syntactic sugar that makes async code look synchronous.
⚡️ With practical code examples, you’ll see how to move from nested callbacks ➡️ chained promises ➡️ clean async/await.
👉 Key takeaway: Mastering async is essential for writing reliable Node.js applications.
💡 Relevant Links
Previous TekCasts series:
- JavaScript for Beginners: https://tekcasts.com/play/javascript-for-beginners-what-is-javascript
- JavaScript in the Browser: https://tekcasts.com/play/javascript-in-the-browser-browser-runtime-environment
Official Docs & References:
- Node.js Blocking vs Non-blocking: https://nodejs.org/en/learn/asynchronous-work/overview-of-blocking-vs-non-blocking
- MDN Promise Docs: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Promise
- MDN Async/Await Guide: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn_web_development/Extensions/Async_JS/Promises
- Understanding libuv: https://zmushegh.medium.com/understanding-libuv-the-powerhouse-behind-node-js-b5349c8f0d75
Short Bio:
Bob Cravens is a seasoned technology leader, software architect, and educator with a passion for empowering others through practical, real-world knowledge. As the founder of TekFoundry, Bob has dedicated his career to designing and delivering innovative software solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with elegant simplicity.
At TekCasts, Bob leverages over two decades of experience in software engineering, application architecture, and team leadership to create engaging, high-impact courses for developers and technology professionals. His instructional style is rooted in practical application, offering insights drawn from his extensive background in industries like medical devices and global technology consulting.
Bob’s expertise spans a variety of technologies and methodologies, including PHP/Laravel, FastAPI, and DevOps, as well as architecture best practices and team dynamics. Whether teaching foundational concepts or advanced strategies, he’s passionate about helping others turn complex challenges into streamlined solutions.
When not crafting elegant code or inspiring the next generation of tech innovators, Bob enjoys exploring the intersection of technology, business strategy, and creative problem-solving.
At TekCasts, Bob leverages over two decades of experience in software engineering, application architecture, and team leadership to create engaging, high-impact courses for developers and technology professionals. His instructional style is rooted in practical application, offering insights drawn from his extensive background in industries like medical devices and global technology consulting.
Bob’s expertise spans a variety of technologies and methodologies, including PHP/Laravel, FastAPI, and DevOps, as well as architecture best practices and team dynamics. Whether teaching foundational concepts or advanced strategies, he’s passionate about helping others turn complex challenges into streamlined solutions.
When not crafting elegant code or inspiring the next generation of tech innovators, Bob enjoys exploring the intersection of technology, business strategy, and creative problem-solving.