Node.js · Event Loop · Junior · Comparison
What is the difference between `process.nextTick` and `Promise.then` / queueMicrotask?
Short Interview Answer
nextTick runs before other microtasks and can starve the event loop if recursively scheduled; Promise microtasks are the standard ES queue.
Detailed Explanation
Prefer promises/queueMicrotask for app logic. nextTick is for ensuring callbacks run before I/O continues — use sparingly. Recursive nextTick is a classic hang.
Common Mistake
Using nextTick as a general async deferral tool.