Using Needle to send HTTP requests in Node.js

Needle is a Node.js-specific HTTP client package that is particularly suited for backend development, offering a leaner and more optimized alternative to Axios, which is designed for both frontend and backend use. While both packages are effective, Needle distinguishes itself by being tailored for Node environments, utilizing smaller-sized Node libraries, and setting a default User-Agent header to the Node platform and version, which aligns with backend optimization goals. Its smaller package size is advantageous for developers seeking to streamline server performance, especially in large-scale applications, though for simple projects without stringent optimization needs, the difference between using Needle and Axios is minimal. A practical demonstration in the text involves setting up a Node.js and Express server to make HTTP requests using Needle, illustrating its use in retrieving data from a fake REST API while highlighting the package's ease of integration and lightweight nature, which makes it an attractive choice for backend developers focused on efficiency.