Table of Contents
Table of Contents
While reading this blog, many of you must know names such as Node.JS, React, Python, .NET, etc. But do you know that the backbone of any app or web development project is the application’s backend, the server-side end, and the client-side runs on it?
Market trends show a choice between node.JS vs. Python. So we at MTPL decided to put up a guide on Node.JS vs. Python: which language reigns supreme for web development.
You could be considering how crucial Frontend is. Still, regardless of how polished and user-friendly your Frontend is, your application will flounder without a solid backend.
Now that we are discussing Python vs. node.JS, we must understand both in depth.
When you hire a freelancer developer or an application development company, most decide on a backend technology for the web application development projects based on their fluency, experience, training, and grip on a particular technology.
But that’s not the right way to do it! Suppose you are a shopkeeper and like the brand Puma for the shoe without looking at the trends of Adidas and Nike or without your consultation. In that case, having the option of Puma is entirely wrong.
No matter how convenient it is, it is not always the best route to take for companies to get the outcomes they are looking for. It is of the utmost importance to choose the programming language, environment, and whole technological stack in a manner consistent with the project’s features.
As of 2022, Node.JS has surpassed React.js as the most popular web framework among software engineers throughout the globe. The poll found that 47.12% of participants utilized Node.JS, while 42.62% used React.js.
In addition, it is essential to use the appropriate backend technology in connection with the project’s use case. It is often the most critical factor in determining the project’s overall success and performance, resource consumption, ease of deployment, and scalability.
Python and Node.JS are both extensively used server-side technologies. However, they were created simultaneously and intended to achieve distinct goals. However, both technologies are now widely utilized. Python first appeared on the scene in 1991.
It was developed as a server-side programming language to make it suitable for online and mobile apps. On the other hand, Node.JS was released in 2009 as a JavaScript runtime environment, and it completely transformed how JavaScript was used on the server side of applications.
Currently, Python is used by fewer sites, but those who are using it are having high traffic, as reported by W3Techs.
So, now if you are thinking of consulting an application or web development agency – you must be clear about which technology to choose between Node.JS and Python. Therefore, to make the best decision possible, examining their benefits and drawbacks is vital, and following use scenarios when one would be superior to the other and vice versa.
Let’s begin our guide with an understanding of What is Node.JS?
Node.JS is a JavaScript runtime environment that is open-source and cross-platform. It is used for the development of server-side applications. It operates on a single-threaded asynchronous architecture and employs an event-driven, non-blocking I/O approach to do its job. It is intended to facilitate the construction of scalable network applications by developers.
Ryan Dahl was the one who first presented Node.JS in 2009, and ever since that time, there has been no turning back for the platform. Nearly every website devoted to statistics will inform you that it is the superior web-building framework. Because, unlike Python, Node.js is a runtime environment that allows JavaScript to be executed outside of the browser.
“node package Manager” (abbreviated as “NPM”) is the name of the package manager for a node. It grants access to hundreds of packages, which may be installed with relative ease using the command line tool.
While we will go in-depth analysis of node.JS vs. Python, here are some key features you must know about Node.JS.
Since Node was designed with web development in mind, it solves some of the most pressing problems in this field.
The significant benefits of NodeJS while comparing Python vs. node.JS are quick speed, often updated library tools, a versatile syntax, and effective code sharing.
As already mentioned in the features of Node.JS – it can be used for front and backend development within one solution; choosing Node.JS results in less financial investments when constructing an app.
Additionally, as a business opting for Node.JS, you will be able to finish the tasks without sacrificing the final output’s level of quality.
In developing microservices architecture, having several instances of component execution and development is crucial.
Fortunately, Node JS possesses a packaging supervisor that offers complimentary additions to aid programmers in functioning on various parts simultaneously.
This approach allows businesses to preserve their product’s excellence during evaluation processes.
As previously discussed, using Node JS unlocks the complete spectrum of JavaScript tools and assets. Moreover, being part of the robust community ensures comprehensive backing throughout every project phase.
Through the employment of Node.JS, web development is much more straightforward, thanks to incorporating the full MEAN technology stack. The latter boasts exceptional help and support for leading-edge front-end and backend advancements.
We Help You Build Highly Scalable Web Apps Leveraging the Power of NodeJS.
While Node.JS inherited certain key benefits from JavaScript, it also inherited some significant drawbacks. The main issue with Node.JS is that it copies features from frontend languages without appropriately adapting them to the backend requirements.
Task completion is monitored in Node.JS through callbacks. The number of callbacks in a project rises with the number of concurrent processes.
There is a danger that developers will get mired in callbacks and fail to notice critical errors or accumulated technical debt.
Node.JS is a server-side web application framework that uses JavaScript syntax for tasks with little CPU use.
The frequency with which CPU-bound processes emerge increases when Node.JS is used as the backend runtime environment.
Web developers are constrained, and performance is slowed by inconsistencies between the structure of Node.JS and processes that place a heavy burden on the CPU.
Constant API changes might lead to incompatibility issues in the backend, a significant drawback of Node.JS. This instability is a direct result of code modifications that are incompatible with each other.
Because Node.JS operates on a single-thread basis, it is difficult for Node.JS to complete activities that are CPU-bound. Node.JS cannot execute heavy multitasking.
The system will only perform a request once received, after which it will only accept any more requests for that particular action. This procedure makes the system more sluggish and ultimately causes a significant delay.
The prominent developer community has already tested and validated the underlying functionality. Hence there are very few usability problems.
Many NPM modules that aren’t widely used are poorly made, bug-ridden, and poorly documented. Due to its open-source nature, Node.JS does not have rigorous quality control over its updates, opting instead to prioritize quantity above perfection.
If Node.JS has got so many numerous advantages, then why not 100% of web apps are not built with it? Because some challenges are working with Node.JS.
Here are some of the main challenges a developer may face while working with Node.JS.
So now that we have enough learning of Node.JS – Next in our guide to Python vs. Node.JS is an introduction to Python.
Python was first introduced to the world in 1991 by Guido van Rossum, credited as the language’s founder. Replace the following with original content: As reported by GitHub, it is the most used language for machine learning and the second most used language overall.
Google’s App Engine is where most Python applications are hosted. In addition to this, it is supported by a global community of programmers who have developed a broad range of libraries and tools. This is another advantage it has.
The number of libraries, application programming interfaces (APIs), and other resources that may be used is enormous. Python is used widely in commercial settings and may be efficiently implemented in various scenarios. This is due to Python’s versatility, which allows it to be utilized effectively in multiple locations.
It has a sizable audience, a rich collection of books, and a solid foundation. It’s an excellent language for businesses that must create applications for various unrelated uses.
Node.JS and Python are both used in developing online applications; however, Python is utilized in a far greater variety of contexts. Let’s take a look at some of Python’s benefits as well as some of its drawbacks.
As codes written using Python are easily readable and compilers can easily interpret, using it makes it much simpler to move the development process forward more quickly.
It takes less code for development than other languages, which automatically saves time during development and helps construct programs that run quickly.
Numerous web hosting companies provide built-in support for the Python programming language and the ability to integrate APIs and other plugins.
You can use well-known platforms such as A2 Hosting, AWS, TMDHosting, Digital Option, Heroku, etc.
Python is very interoperable and adaptable with various systems and other computer languages.
When more tools, languages, or platforms are required over product development, it is not difficult for developers to include them. .NET, C#, C, and many more programming languages are just a few instances of environments where Python may interact nicely.
Python’s extensive library support makes it easier to construct any kind of application, including machine learning, web development, and game development, among other things.
It provides developers with simple libraries and enables the code from the libraries to be reused for bespoke development. Explore some of the most widely used Python libraries for machine learning here.
We Help You Build Highly Scalable Web Apps Leveraging the Power of Python.
Being a widely applicable language, Python is still not the most productive language for building websites.
Java and Node.JS are two popular backend languages. Python’s server-side performance was far worse when compared to.js. It contains several abstraction layers that increase processing time to make the language more readable.
Python is not the most excellent option for hybrid programming since it is neither a native Android nor iOS language. The language may be adapted for mobile development using appropriate frameworks and platforms, although the resulting apps will run slowly.
When developing a web application of any kind, it is essential to reduce the amount of memory that is exhausted whenever possible to keep an application’s speed and performance stable. Python has problems with its excessive memory usage, resulting in poor-quality solutions.
Here are some of the significant challenges encountered using Python. And then, in the following area of Node.JS vs. Python – you will see head-to-head comparisons for various parameters.
The compiler does most of the work for you since it is interpreted. Contrasting the performance issues of Python and Node.JS might impede debugging and cause code that is hard to maintain.
Now that you have enough information on Node.JS and Python – here is the time to go for Python vs. Node.JS.
When building client and server-side network applications, Node JS tends to be faster due to its ability to manage heavier memory requirements.
On the other hand, Python may not be the best choice for programs that need a lot of memory. Even so, it continues to be one of the most popular choices for backend applications.
Let’s go into more detail about both technologies one at a time to grasp the distinctions between them better.
Let us begin with the concept of Architecture.
It is the process of defining the standard procedures and guiding principles that must be adhered to inside a specific framework, environment, or language.
The design of Node.JS is single-threaded, meaning that a single thread may handle several requests simultaneously. On the other hand, Python adheres to a standard implementation referred to as “CPython” and uses interchangeable code modules.
As mentioned before, Node.JS is a runtime environment that supports asynchronous programming on the server side. This indicates that the functioning of input and output is not impeded by the fact that a particular process is still active.
You can execute processes in parallel, resulting in quicker application deployment. Because of its event-driven design, Node.JS can do actions before and after an event.
While Python, on the other hand, does not provide these functions and does not enable multithreading, in striking contrast to Node.JS. One of the processes has to be carried out and completed before any others may be requested. Python will become stricter as a result of this.
While specific tools may assist you in developing asynchronous applications using Python, this does not mean that Python itself is intrinsically asynchronous. Ultimately, you would have to resort to employing workarounds in the project and would not achieve the appropriate level of asynchronicity.
When you develop a Web App and scale it, only then will you be able to bring down the development cost. When evaluating a programming language or environment, thus, performance and speed are seen as being of significant importance.
The inherent design of Python does not permit multithreading, which is an issue not just in one respect but also in other respects. Because processes cannot operate in parallel, the processing speed is slowed down as a result.
Even though Python’s syntax is simple to pick up and put into practice, the language’s execution speed is insufficient for use in programs that often get data from a web server.
We have previously investigated the non-blocking design of Node.JS. Because of this Advantage, the process of its implementation is both easier and quicker.
In addition, a further advantage still makes Node.JS a strong candidate: it runs the code outside the web browser.
Because of this, the application being executed on the web browser is processing quicker. As a consequence, it performs better when measured against the efficiency criteria.
This enables the app to draw functionalities such as TCP sockets, normally unavailable in browsers. The app may then use these features.
Let me first describe or define what scalability is.
Scalability refers to the proportional increase in load when more users use your web app. You may use almost any language or development environment to construct your MVP’s first lightweight web application.
However, the language or coding environment’s resource requirements would increase proportionally as the program grew in complexity and size.
Due to its flexibility, Node.JS may be used without a core. Separating your application into smaller modules, or “microservices,” might let you grow it independently of the core.
Your application’s need for these additional components might then expand independently. Therefore, adding nodes and resources may increase the app’s horizontal and vertical scalability.
It’s good knowing that Python has threading issues. The Global Interpreter Lock in its design makes employing several concurrent threads impossible. This means the chronologically ordered process must end before anything else begins.
Python’s dynamic type may help and hurt with scaling. Larger teams may struggle to keep up with code maintenance as a project grows.
A more extensible language across third-party tools would indicate that it can be updated with more features added. When deciding between using Node.JS vs. Python, it is essential to consider this element.
Again, let us begin with defining Extensibility.
The extent to which a language may add new features by utilizing other people’s tools is called its Extensibility.
To modify the code that Python generates, Sublime Text is often utilized. The use of Robot Framework is beneficial to automated testing. And then, well-known Node.JS frameworks, such as Django and Web2Py, provide much additional functionality.
For frontend development that is more streamlined, you may combine Node.JS with Babel if you are working with one of its earlier versions. You may also use Jasmine for unit-based testing or Log.io for managing the project.
Both of these options are available to you. Module bundling may be simplified with the assistance of Webpack and PM2. In contrast, Express is one of the most prominent frameworks used with Node.JS.
The idea is straightforward: if something has previously been codified, there’s no need to invent it from scratch. Instead, you should be able to get this code straight from a library and use it in your application without writing any of the underlying code yourself.
Because of libraries, advancements in app development technology have become possible in recent decades.
However, having an extensive library is not enough. If you want to get the most out of a language’s library, you should also read its documentation.
The Node Package Manager maintains extensive and extensively documented Node.JS libraries. NPM is the most central package repository, with over 350,000 available.
Pip, which is an abbreviation for “Python Installs Packages,” administers Python’s library resources. It is well-known that Python libraries are well-documented and straightforward to implement.
This is generally true, but not for newly opened libraries. Since newer technologies aren’t as well-documented as older ones, sometimes more unique libraries are less reliable.
One of the reasons why Python has such a large pool of available talent is because its syntax is relatively straightforward. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that two of the most significant buyers of technological skills, Google and Facebook, employ Python heavily in developing their products.
The interpreter for Python, which is responsible for executing the code, is very efficient. Because it does not need compilation, Python is the best language for quick deployment and iterations because of its flexibility.
In addition, a few of the most well-liked training programs for data science use Python as the language often presented to the pupils. Consequently, a more excellent pool of Python talent is available.
In addition, the widespread usage of Python makes it a strategically significant language that should be studied and used. Because of its extensive library, you can construct and launch an MVP with relatively little effort. This also guarantees that the available development resources are used to their full potential.
For instance, Reddit was first developed in Lisp. Still, in 2005 the whole platform was redeveloped using Python because of the language’s massive collection of features and modules.
Communities, where a single, specialized group administers the language/programming environment tend to be the most productive.
Users and programmers who work together on a piece of app or software make up the community. Since they are busy, they would continually conduct debugging exercises, update popular libraries, and add new features.
Since Node.JS is a relatively new platform, its user base may initially seem small. However, you may be shocked to hear that the Node.JS community is both sizable and active worldwide, boasting many skilled Node.JS Developers.
In the Node.JS community, it is simple to spot potential new hires.
Since Python has been around longer, it seems to reason that it would have more users. There is a wide range of skill levels among Python’s contributors.
The larger the community, the easier it is to find competent programmers to work with. Problems are readily fixed, and the language is enhanced when these programmers engage.
A web application may be accessible from as many devices as fingers on a hand today.
With so many options, the underlying development language and environment would also need a high level of sophistication.
Because of its more straightforward syntax, Python is well-suited for many kinds of projects, except mobile app development. Many programmers increasingly use Python for IoT solutions and cloud application development.
It is possible to create web apps, mobile apps, websites, desktop apps, solutions for the cloud, and applications for the Internet of Things by using Node.JS, a flexible platform.
Because JavaScript makes it possible, Node.JS can do exceptionally well in this area. This is because it can be used to construct both the back and Frontend of websites.
If you are acquainted with JavaScript, the learning curve for Node.JS will not be too challenging. Because Node.JS is based on event-driven programming, its installation and documentation may seem complicated to some. This idea is the driving force behind Node.JS’s scalability and efficiency.
A beginner programmer may need some time to understand the concept of event-driven programming completely. But once that’s out, learning Node.JS is a snap.
Python’s key selling advantages have been its portability and its easy-to-understand syntax. It is well-known in IT that Python code is shorter than Node.JS or other languages and runtime environments. Python’s ease of use makes it ideal for novice programmers.
Well, Building Fast & Scalable Web Apps is Possible Using the Skillset of Our Web Apps Development Team.
There is no certain victor when comparing Python with Node.JS since the outcome depends on the use case or the challenge being addressed. Considering how comfortable you would be using these technological advancements is also beneficial.
Backend web development activities often use Node.JS and Python as programming languages. On the other hand, Python is a language that can be used for many domains and jobs. At the same time, Node.JS is exclusively concerned with the backend of a website.
Node.JS is a full-stack JS development platform that is also quick and lightweight. On the other hand, Python is known for its straightforward architecture, extensive machine learning and AI tools, and vibrant programming community. You may also compare Ruby on Rails with Node.JS if that interests you.
You need to know which technologies you’d want to include in the project and identify the fundamental functional needs of the product before you can determine whether Node.JS vs. Python is the better match for your endeavor.
At Moon Technolabs, we will evaluate your idea and recommend the technology stack most appropriate for your requirements, considering both node.JS and Python.
Jayanti Katariya is the CEO of Moon Technolabs, a fast-growing IT solutions provider, with 18+ years of experience in the industry. Passionate about developing creative apps from a young age, he pursued an engineering degree to further this interest. Under his leadership, Moon Technolabs has helped numerous brands establish their online presence and he has also launched an invoicing software that assists businesses to streamline their financial operations.
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