Node.js Event Loop Explained: 5 Phases and Microtask Priority

The Node.js Event Loop Explained (The Right Way) Here's the complete picture. The Core Truth is: For EVERY phase → Execute ONE macrotask → Execute ALL nextTick() → Execute ALL Promises → Move to next phase Why This Matters The Node.js event loop isn't a simple cycle like in browsers. It has 5 distinct phases, and microtasks run BETWEEN EVERY PHASE, not just once per loop. The 5 Phases: ⏱️ Timers — setTimeout, setInterval callbacks 📋 Pending Callbacks — Deferred I/O callbacks from the previous cycle 🔄 Poll — I/O events, network requests, file operations ✓ Check — setImmediate callbacks 🔚 Close — Socket and stream closures The Microtask Priority Here's the critical part: nextTick() ALWAYS runs before Promise callbacks. For each phase boundary: 1️⃣ process.nextTick() callbacks execute FIRST 2️⃣ Promise.then() callbacks execute SECOND 3️⃣ Then the next macrotask phase begins The Visualization The diagram shows the complete cycle with all phases and how microtasks fit between each one. Notice how every phase is followed by microtasks—this is the key difference from what most developers think. Drop a comment if this cleared it up! And if you've been caught by the I/O starvation bug, share your story 👇 #Node.js #JavaScript #EventLoop #Backend #WebDevelopment

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