Node.js is often used for building RESTful APIs because of its non-blocking nature, which allows for handling multiple requests efficiently. Its lightweight design and support for JSON make it easy to create fast and scalable APIs.

RESTful APIs have become a cornerstone of modern web development, providing a standardized way for applications to communicate with one another. Node.js is particularly well-suited for building RESTful APIs due to its non-blocking architecture, lightweight design, and seamless integration with JSON, the data format commonly used in API communication.

One of the key features of Node.js is its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, which allows the server to handle multiple requests simultaneously without being hindered by long-running processes. This is essential for RESTful APIs, which often need to respond to a high volume of requests from clients. By efficiently managing incoming requests, Node.js enables developers to create APIs that are not only fast but also scalable, capable of handling increased traffic without sacrificing performance.

Node.js’s lightweight nature further contributes to its appeal for API development. It allows developers to create minimal and efficient applications that focus solely on the required functionality without unnecessary overhead. This is particularly important in microservices architectures, where each service is designed to perform a specific function. With Node.js, developers can quickly build and deploy RESTful APIs that meet the unique needs of their applications.

Additionally, Node.js's native support for JSON makes it easy to work with data in RESTful APIs. JSON is the de facto standard for data exchange between clients and servers, and Node.js allows developers to seamlessly serialize and deserialize JSON data. This simplifies the process of sending and receiving data, making it straightforward for developers to create robust APIs that can communicate effectively with a variety of clients.

Moreover, the vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks available in the Node.js community, such as Express.js, provides developers with powerful tools to expedite API development. Express.js, in particular, offers a simple and flexible way to define routes and manage middleware, making it easier to build and maintain RESTful APIs.

In summary, Node.js's non-blocking architecture, lightweight design, and compatibility with JSON make it an excellent choice for building RESTful APIs that are fast, efficient, and scalable, meeting the demands of modern web applications.