Build an application from backend to browser with Node.js, and kick open the doors to real-time event programming. With this hands-on book, you'll learn how to create a social network application similar to LinkedIn and Facebook, but with a real-time twist. And you'll build it with just one programming language: JavaScript.

If you're an experienced web developer unfamiliar with JavaScript, the book's first section introduces you to the project's core technologies: Node.js, Backbone.js, and the MongoDB data store. You'll then launch into the project--a highly responsive, highly scalable application--guided by clear explanations and lots of code examples.

• Learn about key modules in Node.js for building real-time apps
• Use the Backbone.js framework to write clean browser code, and maintain better data integration with MongoDB
• Structure project files as a foundation for code that will arrive later
• Create user accounts and learn how to secure the data
• Use Backbone.js templates to build the application's UIs, and integrate access control with Node.js
• Develop a contact list to help users link to and track other accounts
• Use Socket.io to create real-time chat functionality
• Extend your UIs to give users up-to-the-minute information