Streams enable efficient data processing for large datasets. Here's how to use them.
Stream Types
Readable Streams
Writable Streams
Transform Streams
Piping Streams
Backpressure Handling
Async Iteration
HTTP Streaming
Error Handling
Best Practices
Memory Management:
✓ Use streams for large data
✓ Set appropriate highWaterMark
✓ Handle backpressure properly
✓ Clean up resources on error
Error Handling:
✓ Use pipeline() over pipe()
✓ Handle errors on all streams
✓ Implement _destroy() for cleanup
✓ Use AbortController for cancellation
Performance:
✓ Use object mode sparingly
✓ Batch small writes
✓ Consider worker threads for CPU tasks
✓ Profile memory usage
Patterns:
✓ Prefer transform streams
✓ Use async iteration when possible
✓ Chain streams with pipeline
✓ Implement proper backpressure
Conclusion
Node.js streams enable efficient processing of large data sets. Use readable streams for data sources, writable for destinations, and transform for modifications. Handle backpressure properly, use pipeline for error handling, and leverage async iteration for cleaner code.