It would be foolhardy to answer your question, as someone would inevitably respond with another language that can do it.
I will say that NodeJS has inspired me to get off my ass and code a basic CRUD site, which could get me started and lead to more interesting features. Sure, could have used Python or anything else, but this is how it's going for now. I choose to drink this particular Kool-Aid for now.
is there anything only one language can do? I believe both answers is a no. I think we should be asking 'is there something that is best done with node'
Sure, alright, but that's supposed to mean faster servers and a smaller footprint, and since one or two people here mentioned that Node doesn't really live up to that, my question is: What does Node offer me in terms of speed and footprint that, say, nginx doesn't?
... which are used to build web pages sent through a synchronous, request-response protocol that is HTTP. I understand asynchronous events are used in GUI design, where you have actual asynchronous sources (e.g. mouse), but what are the benefits for a web page?
I will say that NodeJS has inspired me to get off my ass and code a basic CRUD site, which could get me started and lead to more interesting features. Sure, could have used Python or anything else, but this is how it's going for now. I choose to drink this particular Kool-Aid for now.