Opting for the most optimal programming language is one of the first and foremost convoluted decisions to make when working on a new project. This decision-making process becomes more critical when backend development comes into play.
Without a strong backend development, a great-looking frontend won’t work. In this write-up, we will talk about two backend technologies and the competition between Node.Js Vs Python, and underline every comparison among them. You will explore a comprehensive explanation that helps you to choose one as per your development needs.
Before getting into the debate through side-by-side comparison of Node.Js vs Python, let’s understand through a succinct and self-explanatory infographic.
Brief overview
Python
“As per GitHub, Python is considered as the second-most popular language for machine learning”.
Python( both works as a front-end and back-end programming language) is an object-orientated programming language. It was developed by Guido Van Rossum in 1991 and has a ton of libraries, APIs, and ancillary tools. It is considered best for business applications and very conducive to many programming paradigms.
It is equally efficient for developing applications for: desktop, web, mobile as come with multiple libraries.
Node.js
Node.js (a great fit for a backend framework) is a JavaScript runtime environment created. So don’t take it as a programming language. It was created on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine by Ryan Dahl in 2009.
This virtual framework comes with a built-in interpreter, compilers, and optimizers.
NodeJS is not a programming language but rather an open-sourced runtime environment for JavaScript.
Read our blog on 5 Curated & Best Node.JS Frameworks for Web & App Development
Python vs Node.js — Detailed Comparison
Now it is time for a detailed comparison of Python Vs Node.js on some defined parameters:
1.Speed and Performance
Python
Python is relatively slower in performance as it processes requests in a single flow. On the other hand, Node.js comes with a multithreading option.
However, the use of the Django framework, which was developed between 2003 and 2005, makes it possible to handle multiple requests to some extent. But still, the use of Django doesn’t make it fit for mobile applications.
Node.Js
Thanks to the V8 JavaScript engine, the performance and speed of Node.js are top-notch. Its engine also efficiently executes JavaScript code to machine language, thus delivering great performance.
For real-time web solutions, Node.js can be your first and foremost option. App loading time with Node.js is very less, so a perfect match for developing instant notification apps.
2. Architecture
First, understand what Architecture underlines. It defines the common principles attached to any framework, environment, and language. Let’s compare it in perspective of Node.js vs Python performance.
Python
As we have mentioned Python doesn’t support multithreading like Node.js. Thus, developers have to run and finish one process before others can be called in.
However, there are tools like CPython that can help in creating asynchronous apps using
Python, but they are not that strong to make Python asynchronous. So if your project is not a chatbot, you should not pick Python.
Node.js
With Node.js, both input and output are asynchronous. So it is a perfect pickup for chatbots and games. It is event-driven, hence runs parallel processes and deploys the app faster. Its event-driven architecture empowers Node.js to take multiple actions during the event.
3. Syntax
Python
Python’s syntax lets you achieve more with fewer lines of code. Python comes with no curly brackets, so it is easier to debug and code. It is also considered a beginner-friendly programming language, as it doesn’t need much technical knowledge to comprehend.
Node.js
In terms of syntax, it has a great similarity to the browser’s JavaScript syntax, and prior knowledge of JavaScript syntax makes it easy to develop apps with Node.js.
4. ERROR HANDLING
Firstly, why robust error handling is important:
- It makes the code clear, easy to understand, and fast the debugging process.
- Delivers better user experience
Now discussing it in terms of the difference between Node.js vs Python.
Python
Strong troubleshooting: Python code is easy and compact, hence it easier to debug
Node.js
Its high-performance abilities and multiple processing request handling make error handling difficult for Node.js.
5. Trending Technologies
Python
When it comes to handling technologies like Machine Learning, Data Science, and the Internet of Things (IoT). For machine learning especially, there are many existing tools and libraries with experts in the community. For IoT, a pocket variant of Python exists that ensures support for IoT devices.
Node.js
Node.js is a great fit for developing web applications that include real-time applications. Though it has some capabilities for building IoT devices, still it is not a great match for Data Analytics and Machine Learning.
6. Libraries
NodeJS
In Node.js, the Node Package Manager (NPM) is responsible for managing libraries and packages. And this repository is considered the biggest software library. Plus, it is well documented and easy to learn for beginners.
Python
In the case of Python, Pip Installs Python (Pip) is responsible for managing libraries and packages. Like NPM, Pip is fast, efficient, and easy for entry-level developers to use.
7. Community
Python
Python was developed earlier than Node.js, and it has an open-sourced community. The user community of Python has many experienced contributors, hence helpful for beginners to learn from here.
Node.js
Node.js maintains a very large and active community with huge user support. It has been much appreciated by developers from different corners of the world.
8. Use Cases
To make the choice easier for the difference between Python vs Node.js, we are presenting you with a list of use cases.
Python
- Instagram uses Python as a backend service
- Google has been using it for a long time
- Spotify app uses Python for both, backend and data analysis
- Video streaming app, Netflix uses Python
Node.js
- For the scalable and efficient nature of Node.js, Linkedin uses it
- To service more than 200 mn users across the globe without any lags, Paypal used it
- Uber uses it because it handles multiple requests simultaneously.
A Road to Summary
Just remember one thing, a language that works well with one project may not be a fit for the other. So choose wisely, as per the purpose of your project and the skill of the developer as Python and Node.js development both are very powerful opinions to develop web applications.
We hope this write-up is pretty comprehensive to clear your doubts about Node.js vs Python and make your choice easy next time.
