Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform runtime environment that allows developers to execute JavaScript code on the server side. By leveraging the V8 JavaScript engine, Node.js is designed to build scalable network applications with a non-blocking, event-driven architecture. This approach not only enhances performance but also allows developers to handle a multitude of concurrent connections efficiently. One of the key advantages of using Node.js is its ability to utilize JavaScript, a language predominantly used for front-end development, on the server side, which significantly streamlines the development process by allowing full-stack developers to work with a unified language.

Understanding Node.js opens up new opportunities for building modern web applications. Some of the essential features include:

• Real-time data processing
• RESTful API development
• Microservices architecture
• Seamless handling of asynchronous operations

These attributes make Node.js a powerful tool for developers looking to create efficient and scalable applications. By mastering this technology, developers can harness the full power of JavaScript beyond the browser and build robust server-side solutions that meet today's dynamic web demands.

Node.js has gained immense popularity for backend development, yet it also presents several challenges that developers must navigate. One of the most common issues is managing asynchronous programming. Unlike traditional blocking operations, Node.js utilizes a non-blocking I/O model that can lead to callback hell, making code maintenance and readability difficult. To address this challenge, developers can utilize modern JavaScript features such as Promises and async/await, which simplify handling asynchronous operations and promote cleaner, more manageable code.

Another frequent obstacle faced in Node.js development is effectively managing performance and scalability. As applications grow, so does the need for efficient resource utilization. Developers often encounter bottlenecks caused by inefficient code or poor architecture. To overcome these hurdles, employing techniques like clustering to take advantage of multi-core processor systems, optimizing database queries, and implementing caching strategies can significantly enhance application performance and scalability. These solutions not only improve user experience but also help ensure the longevity of the application in a competitive landscape.

Getting started with Node.js can be an exciting venture for beginners looking to dive into the world of JavaScript on the server side. To kick off your journey, you'll first need to install Node.js on your machine. Visit the official Node.js website to download the installer suitable for your operating system. Once installed, you can verify it by opening your terminal or command prompt and typing node -v to check the version. Following installation, familiarize yourself with Node's core modules, such as fs for file operations and http for building web servers, which are essential for building applications.

After setting up Node.js, the next step is to create your first project. Start by creating a new directory for your application and navigate into it using your terminal. Run the command npm init to initiate a new Node.js project, where you can define your project’s name, version, and other details. To install additional packages, use npm install [package-name]. Don't forget to explore popular frameworks like Express.js for building web applications more efficiently. As you progress, refer to the extensive Node.js documentation and community resources to enhance your understanding and skills.