Backend technology is the core of any web project. No doubt front-end technologies provide responsive and dynamic applications; there will always be a need to back up the technology with the backend.
It leads to the two most popular choices in the backend – Node js or Python. Most developers choose Java and PHP for different server-side options, but these make a great choice for development.
However, it is tricky to decide which one offers the best features for backend development. Node js is best suited for small projects, while Python is ideal for large projects. But there are many points of comparison between the two we will talk about.
What is Node JS?
- Node JS is a server-side platform built on the Google Chrome js engine.
- It uses the event-driven model, which is non-blocking.
- Additionally, it allows the developers to create data-intensive real-time applications that may run across different distributed devices.
- All the applications are written in JavaScript, and run on Microsoft OS or Linux.
- The technology is popularly used to run real-time server applications.
- Moreover, with the help of event-driven architecture, it can provide multiple requests at a time, which also speeds up code execution.
What is Python?
- Python is a more object-oriented and dynamic programming language.
- It is an ideal language for scripting, as it uses syntax and dynamic typing with interpreted nature.
- The best part about Python is; it supports multiple programming patterns, which makes it an ideal language for different functional programming.
- Being object-oriented, it works on a definite structure.
- Additionally, it works on an interpreted language style, as it is unable to convey into a computer-readable code.
- It uses a single code, and the process can be slower.
Key differences: Node.Js Vs Python:
1. Performance
Node js allows you to code outside the web browser using different TCP sockets, making it resource-driven. Additionally, it enables caching of fetched data, which is tricky to change. Node js contributes to a higher speed than Python, which is a benefit. Moreover, its app performance offers remarkable results.
Python uses a single code flow hence its requests are comparatively slow. Moreover, it has an innate architecture that restricts multithreading. However, if you want a quick data recall – it can be a letdown.
Verdict: Python is not the best choice if you want to speed up your performance with complex calculations. Both technologies provide great performance.
2. Architecture
Node js is driven, so its output and input are asynchronous, which helps to facilitate a faster development process.
That’s why it’s a top pick for web-based games and chatbots. Moreover, it processes several requests continuously without blocking the thread and speed.
If you compare Node js with Python, it is more synchronous and it can be slow. For instance, if your project is something like a chatbot, you would not want to pick this language.
However, most developers leverage the Python library to run different Python processes. Also, it is not event-driven, so you can’t make event-driven modules like CPython.
Verdict: Node js is the winner in this feature.
3. Scalability
Node js facilitates multithreading architecture, which leads to scalability. Plus, it uses a set of different modules and microservices for its functionalities. Scaling of the app simply means the addition of new modules. It allows the developers to scale horizontally and vertically, which is an advantage. Plus, it gives more options for typing.
Python does not support multi-threading features, though you can still scale using the imported libraries. But, it won’t be able to combat the scaling capabilities of Node js. Additionally, as the system grows, it becomes difficult to maintain, which becomes a complex task.
Verdict: Both technologies offer scalable solutions but Node js scores higher.
4. Libraries and tools
Installing Node.js on Mac and Windows can help you build scalable applications. With more than 300,000 packages, it offers the biggest repository on the web. The documentation of NodeJS is popular as it helps the developer to create a smooth learning curve.
On the other hand, Python comes with PIP, (pips installed python), which is a manager of Python.
Most developers find it easy and reliable to work with the library. Moreover, Python has vast documentation support and more libraries, which can help new developers when they start a project.
Verdict: Both technologies support extensive documentation and library support.
5. Extensibility
After every update, a new tool supports Node js, but there are some popular ones you should know about. Jasmin is for testing, and it offers complete flexibility.
The Babel tool is for front-end development, and the web pack is available for module binding. Moreover, log.io is available for project management.
Coming to Python, it offers great extensibility with an array of frameworks. It comes with a flask for web development and a robot that accepts level testing.
It supports the web2py tool for the agile development of data-driven applications. Moreover, it supports Django for backend development.
Verdict: Both technologies have extensive support.
6. Learning curve and syntax
Node js works on a JavaScript-based environment and is easy to learn. Some topics may take time to learn, as they may work on event-driven architecture and advanced functionalities, but it is worth the effort.
Python is easier to learn for new developers, and it also has proper documentation support. Additionally, it takes fewer code lines for writing functions. The codes can be debugged, unlike JavaScript, which does not have curly brackets.
Since Python is an indentation-sensitive language, it can teach developers how to indent the code. In short, Python is easier to understand for a newbie.
Verdict: Python is a clear winner here.
7. Community
Since it’s open source, Node js has a large community base. New developers can fall back on the community for added support. Also, as a developer, it is easier to find peer support, and business owners can always rely on the Node js developers for support.
Python is a veteran language. The community support offered by Python is bigger than Node js. Anyone can benefit from the privileged and supportive community of Python. By using the feature, you can hire dedicated Python developers and boost your business.
Verdict: Both technologies have an avid following with a huge community base.
8. Error handling
Node js comes with multi-threading abilities offering great performance. However, since it processes multiple requests, runtime exceptions may occur. Plus, errors can be tricky to handle for new developers.
On the other hand, Python supports string troubleshooting with clean and compact code. Moreover, the lack of particular processing can make debugging an easier task. Whether you use Node js or Python, clean code is a must.
Verdict: Python scores over Node js in this feature.
What should you choose between Node js and Python?
Node js and Python both make excellent choices for development. You can choose Node js if you need a data-intensive project and memory, which does not require coding. It is specifically designed for small projects.
You can choose Python if you need a language for larger projects and many integrations. Python’s clean code can be a lifesaver for a project.
Node js runs on V8 JavaScript, while Python runs on the Google app engine. You can leverage either of the technologies for your backend development needs.
