A Quick Overview
Making choices in the tech realm is not as easy as child’s play. The competition is growing fierce, the market is tough, so any random choices or doing just because your competitors are conducting a development project is no longer considered a smart play. In the technology realm, making the right choices is the utmost important aspect of the task, which can lead you to success or failure. This is the reason why several non-techie business owners struggle to decide for choosing the right technology for their development project. Well, as the title suggests, the following post assures a deep comparison between Node.js and Python, and I am sure by the time you complete reading the post, you will have a better decision to make. Most probably, you will know what you need to do next. So let’s begin!
The importance of server-side or backend technologies cannot be ignored at any rate. No matter how attractive or responsive the frontend is, the app won’t function properly if the backend is not strong enough. Node and Python dominate the market, no two ways about it!
We are currently living in the age of IoT and big data, where backend systems are becoming more and more significant, sophisticated and complex. Given the situation, the struggle of choosing the right tech is pretty real, and somehow it is contingent upon you. Time to unveil both the technologies.
Node.JS
Now, whenever we talk about an app development project, can you tell me what is the most interesting part here? I am sure it is the frontend, but what you might not know is that there are many things happening in the backend. Any app or website comprises two-parts, the frontend and the backend.
So what happens in the backend? First and foremost, the client requests something, this request is further sent to the then within that server where lots and lots of calculations happen which can be further escalated for validation. In the end, an appropriate response is sent. This is where kick-ass technology is used and where Node.js comes into play.
Node.js has been in vogue since its inception. It is basically an open-sourced runtime environment mainly developed to support JavaScript developers by the mastermind named Ryan Dahl. It is basically a virtual machine created on Google’s V8 engine and has built-in compilers, interpreters, and optimisers. So in short, the Node technology is a single-threaded, open-source, cross-platform runtime environment considered for developing fast and scalable server-side applications.
So for a better understanding of its working, here’s what we need to know: Node is a runtime environment which allows seamless execution of JavaScript on the server side seamlessly. It is successfully built on the V8 JavaScript engine from Chrome, which ensures the successful compilation of JavaScript into efficient machine code.
Node.js operates on a single-threaded event-driven architecture where the event loop is used to handle multiple concurrent operations, and all this is done without any kind of blocking.
Benefits of Node.js
It may quite interest you to know that the tech comes with a wide range of benefits and advantages.
Speed
One of the key benefits of using Node is speed, which makes it a wonderful choice for creating dynamic applications. The runtime environment is based on an event loop, which successfully handles multiple concurrent requests in a pretty easy and quick manner. This makes scaling the application pretty easy and worth taking into account.
Node even makes the most of non-blocking I/O (asynchronous IO), so instead of waiting for each request to finish before processing the next one, once the response is received, things return back to normal immediately. It is possible to handle many more requests all at once and there is no kind of delay, especially in terms of performance or responsiveness.
*High Productivity
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The next benefit offered by Node is high productivity. Node is considered to develop seamless and useful web applications like never before. It is a single-threaded, event-driven environment, ensuring worth considering for developing real-time applications such as chat as well as video streaming. As a result, nothing can stop you from developing highly interactive websites. And these websites aren’t just like that they comprise of Ajax functionality as well as Divi Builder extensions, So it is possible to develop custom themes and for that you no longer have to write any PHP code or CSS file types (like .css).
*Error Handling
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The tech features a built-in error-handling mechanism, which enables catching errors at runtime and doing what is required. Unlike Java, here in Node, it has way easier than ever since there is no scope for exceptions. Errors are simply thrown as events can be successfully caught by the code. It is possible to use “error” objects instead of throwing errors directly into other functions or methods.
*Cost-effectiveness
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Another benefit of using Node is the cost-effectiveness. The ultimate reason why companies choose this tech is cost and time savings. Yes, you can definitely lower the IT cost, all you need to do is make a slight change by restricting in terms of hardware to conduct successful server deployments, at the same time, try to decrease operating expenses and of course, get rid of software licensing and maintenance costs.
*Faster Development
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The next benefit to consider is faster deployment. Today, the competition is rising like never before, so it is pretty basic to conduct projects at a faster pace or else you might be simply left behind. Node is one tech which allows developers to create high-performance apps in a simple fraction of time, so if you are willing to launch products quickly, with Node, you don’t need to think twice. Also, with faster deployment, quality is kept intact.
Are there any disadvantages?
*Asynchronous Programming Model
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One of the obvious benefits of considering Node is the Asynchronous Programming Model, where program execution proceeds without waiting for all program elements to be processed. So while conducting asynchronous programming, all the program elements can run on an independent basis. This is even true for program elements which cannot run on an independent basis and are processed sequentially.
Unstable API
Another disadvantage is an unstable API This problem occurs for developers who mainly rely on the API to remain constant, as this is usually done to maintain their own software.
An unstable API leads to the development of software which is difficult to maintain as well as upgrade. Now using Node, you need to be well aware if the API is unstable, which means subject to change at any point of time and is possible to break the code, especially if you fail to keep tabs. Here, the thing is, you are unable to keep things updated from time to time.
Dealing with Relational Database
Lastly, what is a relational database? Well, it is a database which usually stores data in tables which aren’t related to each other. This is usually in contrast to non-relational databases, where there is no concept of relations among tables. It doesn’t matter what type of application you are willing to develop since relational databases work wonders with any and every development project. The only concern is with time passing by; the difficulty will keep on increasing comparison to non-relational databases, and this won’t be likeable for developers.
On and all, Node is a market-changing technology which is easy to use, highly scalable, high-speed, has numerous packages available, strong backend, and is easy to maintain, which must be considered if you are willing to develop software from anywhere and make use of the app everywhere. Apps like real-time chats, Internet of Things, data streaming platforms, single-page applications, and REST API-based applications are created using the technology. There are more than 20 million total sites across the internet, including Twitter, Spotify, eBay, and LinkedIn.
Now it’s time to get hands-on with another contemporary of Node, which is Python.
Python
The ultimate idea of Python came into existence in 1989, and the mastermind behind the tech was Guido van Rossum. He saw the shortcomings of ABC language and that is how Python came in limelight, including high extensibility and exception handling.
Python is a high-level, interpreted, and general-purpose dynamic programming language which has gained a lot in terms of popularity. And why not, since it offers ease of use, high readability, an extensive range of libraries and frameworks and a lot more. Some of the prominent uses of Python include:
Web development - By combining Python technology with several frameworks such as Django, Flask, Fast API, ensure quick development of dynamic websites and web applications. Also, the backend is well taken care of in regard to APIs and server-side processing. And lastly, integration with SQLAlchemy and Django ORM is an easy venture.
Data Science and Analytics
Several libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and SciPy, are used for manipulation and numerical computations. In addition, visual tools such as Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Plotly come to the rescue as well. Python is highly preferable for conducting exploratory data analysis (EDA) and building predictive models.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
When collaborating with frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn, it is possible to develop numerous AI models. In addition, Natural Language Processing (NLP) is conducted seamlessly with the help of libraries including NLTK and spaCy. Python is used in computer vision, reinforcement learning, and recommendation systems.
Of course, this is not it! Python offers multiple applications, including automation and scripting, game development, embedded systems and IoT, finance and FinTech, development of desktop applications, cybersecurity, education, and, of course, cloud computing and devOps.
It may quite interest to you to know that Python was developed by Google, and mainly runs on Google’s App Engine. This app engine ensures seamless development of web applications. The technology comes with a wide range of benefits and advantages.
Benefits of Python
Offers an extensive collection of libraries
Python incorporates a standard library which is pretty impressive in very many ways. The language offers a wide range of ecosystems in terms of tools and libraries backed by its unmatchable communities. So in simple words, here developers no longer have to spend time in developing everything right from scratch. Try using all pre-built elements from scientific computing and image processing.
Great Simplicity
It may quite interest to you to know that the Syntax of Python is pretty simple and high-level in terms of conversation. This makes code written in Python easy to read.
Cost-effective development
Python is one such technology which ensures rapid development using fewer lines of code. So, in other words, it is feasible for businesses to reduce development costs in no time. It is also feasible for companies to hire web developers at a competitive rate, especially in terms of building and maintaining applications.
Community Support
Python comprises of a large and active community of programmers or developers who are more than happy to help when in need. In case if you get stuck somewhere, these professionals can give an instant helping hand without wanting anything in return. In addition, there are numerous open-source projects, tutorials, and resources available, ensuring easy for developers to find a solution, especially to common problems and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
Are there any disadvantages?
Of course, there are! No technology is perfect; they are bound to have ample disadvantages as well.
Performance
Python is an interpreted language; this usually means it can be slower in comparison to compiled languages such as C and Java. This usually becomes a severe issue for conducting performance-intensive tasks.
Memory Consumption
Python has a track record of consuming lots and lots of memory, especially when working with a large number of datasets or running some of the most complex and complicated algorithms.
Steep Learning Curve
Python is mainly considered as a language which is pretty easy to learn, but it does have a steep learning curve, no two ways about it! So one with no prior experience in programming might face significant problems.
Key Differences to Take Note of: Node.js vs Python
Node.js
Python
Version
The first version was released in 2009
The first version was released in 1991
Programming Language
It is an open-source environment for JavaScript
It is the second most popular programming language as per GitHub.
Suitable
Node is highly recommended for web development, such as real-time apps and network apps
Python works wonders regarding machine learning, data analysis and scripting
Which one is Faster?
Node is faster due to JavaScript support
Python is a bit slower here
And above all, if you want to develop a cross-platform app, then choose Node, whereas for successful web and desktop apps, choose Node.js.
Conclusion
When we are talking about choosing the right backend technology, nothing is more popular in comparison to Python and Node.js. Not to mention, these two technologies offer a plethora of benefits, functionalities, and there are times when people cannot literally decide on which technology to pick. I hope now you know all the ins and outs here and you will be able to make the right choice. One thing you always need to keep in mind, no matter how pretty and responsive your frontend is, the application will crash down right away if the backend technology isn’t robust enough. So, making a choice between different amazing technologies is inevitable.
If you are expecting a crystal clear winner, then I am sorry to burst your bubble right here. You see, there is no cookie-cutter solution to every problem. Every business is different, and so are its needs and requirements, which means your choice of technology has to be different anyway. Conducting a successful development project is not easy, but it is definitely doable job. All you need to do is try looking around for a reputable and reliable development company and see how they can assist. Do not forget to ask for their expertise and experience. So good luck with your upcoming development venture.
I hope you did find the post worth reading. In case if you have any kind of doubts or queries, feel free to mention them in the comment section below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
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