What is the event loop in Node.js?

Short answer: The event loop is the core of Node.js's non-blocking I/O operations. It handles all asynchronous operations in a single thread, constantly checking for events (e.g., incoming data, timers) and executing associated callbacks. 📌

Example code

setTimeout(() => { console.log('Executed after 2 seconds'); }, 2000); This callback is scheduled by the event loop and executed when the time is up.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.