Gaining an instant boost in the digital business space has been quite in vogue. At the same time, this situation has led to an increase in immense pressure on IT teams across the globe. Everyone is marching towards conducting app development projects that are robust, scalable, high in speed, and offer a great return on investment.
Frontend and backend are the two most crucial aspects for any development project. Do you agree? Well, then I am sure you will agree as well that choosing between the best technologies can be quite daunting and overwhelming, irrespective of the matter that you are creating, be it a CRUD app or a full-fledged enterprise-level application. Technology battles or the dilemma of choosing the right JavaScript frameworks have been in vogue for years. Now it seems like choosing between apples and oranges, but let me tell you, it is not as easy as it sounds.
Fret not, blogs like these can definitely give you a helping hand and smooth your development process. As the title suggests, here you will have a detailed understanding of two major contenders in the technology realm, Node and JavaScript. I am pretty sure you must have heard about these two titans before, but if I ask you to choose one, you won’t be able to utter a word. So who wins in the Node and JavaScript battle? Which should be considered more relevant in the current app development scenario, Node or Java? Time to delve into the details.
Node.js
Based on Chrome V8, Node is a JavaScript code runtime environment. This is a technical definition of what exactly happens here: it is possible to run JavaScript on the server-side. Some of the core reasons that make Node a cut above are the extreme use of the event-driven, non-blocking I/O model. No wonder this one is highly preferable for developing highly scalable and robust applications.
So if you are looking around for a free, easily accessible, cross-platform runtime environment for JavaScript, this is your best bet. I mean, what can't you create using the tech? You name it, you have it! From network applications to IoT-based applications, server-side applications, data streaming apps, web apps, developing command-line tools, microservices, and distributed services, automating tasks such as magnification, compilation, and testing, and creating and deploying serverless applications.
Ryan Dahl was the mastermind behind the creation of Node in 2009, with an objective to build highly scalable network servers. No wonder in the present times, Node is used by more than 6.3 million websites, and the numbers keep on growing every now and then. And if you see from the developer’s point of view, they can conduct multiple tasks without getting frustrated or facing any unwanted issues.
Benefits of considering Node
Choosing the right technology can be the game-changer, do you agree? Well, I am sure you do since you are reading and not simply scrolling the post. Anyway, below I would like to mention several benefits offered by the Node technology.
Speed
Money can be easily spent; time cannot. Yes, the value of time is pretty much high, and one simply cannot afford to lose it at any cost. Node certainly excels here, since it features lightning-fast performance, which means the developed app can be launched before you even know it, giving a severe blow to your competitors and raising the bar.
Cost Efficiency
Node is resource-efficient in comparison to other options; in simple words, it is possible to run an application on fewer servers. As a result, lots and lots of money can be saved in terms of infrastructure and hosting expenses.
High Scalability
With the severe growth of business, the app requirements need to grow as well. Node is one such tech that has the potential to handle lots and lots of concurrent connections, making it a reliable choice for developing highly scalable apps, leading to the point that tech can grow with the growth in business.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Node definitely works wonders with a plethora of operating systems. So yes, your development team needs to be flexible in its approach as well. So, be it's Windows, macOS, or Linux, everything is covered here.
Microservices Architecture
The next benefit offered by Node is building a microservices architecture. In fact, by using Node technology, it becomes way easier to break down even the most complex and complicated applications into small, manageable, independent components. No wonder microservices architecture is highly recommended for enhancing the flexibility and scalability of the services.
Other notable features of Node include:
- Using JavaScript for server-side scripting
- Extremely fast, all thanks to its non-blocking and event-driven model.
- Packaged with npm, one of the largest ecosystems of open source libraries.
- Absolutely recommended for creating highly scalable, real-time web applications.
- Highly recommended for developing a microservices architecture.
No wonder companies such as Netflix, Trello, Uber, PayPal, and eBay vouched for the technology for years. Now it won’t be fair if I don’t point out the disadvantages here, since no technology is perfect; each one has its own set of pros and cons.
Disadvantages of Node.js
Here is a list of disadvantages you need to watch for in your upcoming Node.js project.
Asynchronous Programming Model
Node mainly uses a single-threaded feature, which means it can be considered an asynchronous programming model. Unfortunately, such programming models do not turn out to be the best choice to consider, especially if the app requires heavy computation.
Limited Library Support
Of course, the Node library ecosystem is pretty young, but it doesn’t have much library support in comparison to other languages. This means developers often have the hassle of writing more code or even using external libraries for the same.
Lack of Security Features
Another disadvantage to look into here is Node, which doesn't comprise many built-in security features. This is the reason why developers are asked to be extra careful, especially when writing code or using any kind of external libraries for adding new security features.
Meet Java
Another popular programming language used to conduct successful web development projects turns out to be Java. Developed by Sun Microsystems, Java has become one of the most pivotal and high-level programming languages used across the globe. Unlike others, this is a highly object-oriented programming language that was released in 1995, and since then, there has been no turning back. The tech is highly recommended for its unmatchable portability, security features, flexibility, and versatility. No wonder Java is highly suitable for developing a plethora of applications and platforms.
Can you believe this? The platform-agnostic software programming language has been on the market for ages, and it continues to dominate the world. With Java, we have definitely witnessed some of the most substantial innovations. As of now, it powers a large sector of the modern IT sphere, again all thanks to its high security, reliability, and stability.
According to Oracle,
“Today, Java not only permeates the Internet but also is the invisible force behind many of the applications and devices that power our day-to-day lives.”
In addition, Java is pretty versatile and convenient, and is capable of working seamlessly with numerous operating systems as well as devices. It may quite interest to you to know that Java was designed to enhance TV interactivity, and now it has been backing several kinds of industries, including Fintech, eCommerce, industrial automation, and big data solutions
Moreover, Java comprises a wide range of libraries and frameworks that offer great assistance for developers to work seamlessly and in no time. In fact, since the tech is old, you are bound to find a large and active developer community where you are bound to receive answers, or all your problems can be solved in no time. Day in and day out, the community strives hard to ensure that the tech expands its potential and becomes more and more robust with all its latest versions.
Some of the common ways to use Java include: Android app development, Desktop GUI applications, web apps, embedded server apps, eCommerce apps, electronic trading systems, confirmation systems, data processing projects, big data, scientific apps, enterprise apps, middleware products, social media, High-frequency trading spaces, Software tools, etc.
In one way or the other, Java can be universally used, initially considered as a significant-level programming language mainly to assist handheld gadgets and set-top boxes. Here down below I would like to mention a few benefits offered by Java.
Benefits of Considering Java
Object-Oriented Programming Language
Of course, Java is an object-oriented programming language; there is no debate about it! Now you might be wondering, so what? Well, being an object-oriented programming language means it enables more adaptability and code reuse. It is possible to use the same object in different applications, all due to its OOP principle.
The code is well-organized within different objects, which can be easily reused and extended. So on and all, it becomes easy to develop highly complex and modular applications, ensuring an adequate amount of time and effort in the long run.
Platform Independent
The next benefit offered by Java includes high platform independence. The code written in Java can be successfully compiled into bytecode, which means it is possible to make things run on any platform using a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. Further, the JVM is required to successfully execute Java code, ensuring a platform-independent runtime environment. As a result, both developing and deploying applications becomes much easier and you no longer have to worry about anything, especially the underlying hardware or operating system.
Simple to Use
Another benefit offered by Java is that it turns out to be extremely simple in terms of use. On and all, the language is simple; therefore, getting started with JavaScript becomes a cakewalk. Yes, an entire Java-based project can be taken care of considering minimal effort. So everything here is simple from creation to understanding, maintaining, comprehending, and, of course, debugging.
Java is way simpler than any other native programming language, such as C and C++. Wondering why? Well, unlike C and C++, you no longer have to face unwanted functions such as unambiguous pointers, data classes, operator overloading, etc.
Highly Robust and Secure
It doesn’t matter where the Java app is supposed to be running, be it a client machine or on a server. Java apps are required to be extremely robust and secure. Wondering how Java is so robust and secure?
- Compile-time checking of source code.
- Dynamic runtime checking of bytecode.
- Removal of the use of pointers and pointer arithmetic.
- Namespace isolation for externally loaded code.
- Execution takes place within a restricted sandbox.
So network admins feel completely confident about the program and are pretty sure that they won’t be facing any kind of malware or be subject to an unwanted malicious attack. Also, it is possible to set different access restrictions for classes using Java’s security manager, and this can be precise for every developed application.
Multithreaded
It may quite interest to you to know that multi-core, multi-threaded computing systems were not even considered as the norm in the early 90s when Java was first conceived.
From day one, Java featured a wide range of built-in sets of libraries that made multi-threading and parallelism easy, especially in terms of implementation.
So what else, you find in Java's multi-threading capabilities? Well, the tech features an extremely powerful concurrency API, which enables developers to successfully create programs, especially the ones which are meant to make the most of multicore computers, and that too in a plethora of ways.
Of course, there are other languages, such as Python, featuring garbage collectors, which means there is no scope for developing multi-threaded applications, and you can never go beyond a single processor. Java’s multithreaded nature and concurrency APIs shouldn’t be ignored at any rate.
Dynamic
There was a time when programmers wanted to deliberately eliminate the compile-link-load-test-crash-debug cycle, especially when C++ developers suffered a lot. After the inception of Java, things changed for good.
Today, Java is statically typed and compiled successfully and features some of the most powerful debugging and development tools, like Eclipse SDK and NetBeans.
Automatic Memory Management
Lastly, Java incorporates a garbage collector, which leads to automatic management of the memory. So, in simple words, the tech finds and deletes objects that are no longer in use. As a result, there is no need for manual memory management. Also, the scope for unwanted bugs and issues can be solved as well.
Java is quite a mature programming language or a tech that has been evolving with regular updates and improvements. Now, are there any disadvantages or cons associated? Of course, there are. Let me tell you again, no tech is perfect. So yes, Java has several downsides that must be considered.
Poor performance - Java has such a representation level, which leads to poor and unfavorable outcomes. Also, there are lots of Out-of-Memory errors, which usually occur when several threads are attempted at the same time.
Memory management - Java incorporates memory management features that assist well in streamlining programming procedures. No matter how effective a garbage collector is, it certainly lacks the precision and efficiency of human labor. So this is why people say Java apps are less efficient and heavier in terms of memory.
No backup - This might come as a shock to you, but it is true: Java was developed keeping its primary function as storage and not as data backup.
Despite all these concerns, Java is highly preferred by Amazon, IBM, Airbnb, Twitter, Spotify, Google, and more.
Node vs Java - A Detailed Comparison
Since we have already covered the advantages, disadvantages of both technologies, time to focus on their differences more precisely. Here are five factors that must be considered before you begin conducting any development project.
Speed
Well, both Java and Node excel in terms of speed since both have extensive collections of community-created libraries and reusable components, ensuring seamless development of the project. However, Node requires fewer lines of code and fewer files, leading to less time taken.
Stability
Java has been around for ages, which means there is no denying the fact that it is highly stable and mature. Most of the mission-critical apps are developed using Java, whereas Node has an issue regarding backward compatibility. However, slowly and steadily, things are changing for Node as well.
Scalability
When it comes to developing highly scalable apps, Node is a powerful tool that ensures easy handling of high traffic. Java offers a wide range of scaling options, such as vertical scaling, horizontal scaling, so it doesn’t matter what your need is, Java can take care of it.
Easy to learn
Node turns out to have an extremely shallow learning curve, so if you know JavaScript, developing a full-stack app is no big deal at all. Whereas Java, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve, which means syntax is verbose, you have to write more lines of code, and this can turn out to be highly complex and complicated for beginners.
Community
Lastly, Java has a vibrant community, whereas Node has a strong one. Both communities strive to ensure quick bug fixes, regular updates, and ongoing innovation. So none of these is any less here.
Of course, both have great community support and admirers; now it’s time for you to make a decision.
Final Words
We are residing in the bustling digital arena, where things keep evolving every now and then. So making the right choice is extremely important because random picks will lead you nowhere. The stakes are extremely high, competition is becoming more and more fierce, resulting in cut-throat scenarios in the ever-evolving programming landscape. Let me tell you, this is just the beginning; there is much more to it, so are you ready to take the leap of faith?
Of course, when speaking of backend development, Node and JavaScript are the most recommended options to take into consideration. However, understanding their advantages, differences deeper can help you in making well-informed decisions. Moreover, it is always advisable to look around for a reputable and reliable development firm that has a proven record of offering the best possible solutions from its doorstep.
I hope you did find the following post worth taking into account. In case you have any kind of doubts or queries, feel free to mention them in the comment section below.
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