Nodejs V/s Python – Which one to choose ?

Introduction 

An application’s backend is the foundation of any project. This foundation supports the client-side, user-facing aspects of a web application. 

And you want the base to be strong and flawless, Right?

So, in order to achieve the greatest results, selecting the correct backend technology is critical and can be a game-changer.

And, when it comes to back-end technology, how can we ignore the most prominent back-end development languages – Nodejs vs Python?

According to estimates, 33.91 percent of developers use Node.js, whereas 48.24 percent of programmers use Python.

Now you know about the two best back-end technologies for developing the best web products. But, here’s a catch! Still, you don’t know which one among these two is the best one. 

Don’t worry, that’s what exactly we are going to explain you in this article. Keep reading & let’s find the winner! 

NodeJS – A Quick review! 

Node.js is a cross-platform, asynchronous event-driven framework for building network apps that are both efficient and flexible. For server-side programming and non-blocking I/O processes, Node JS developers are making the most of this platform.

Developers use the Nodejs framework to build real-time apps that run on a range of platforms, such as Android, Microsoft Windows, IOS, and others.

Best applications built with NodeJS – Uber, LinkedIn, GoDaddy, Trello, Paypal, and others. 

Python – A Quick review! 

Python is a general-purpose language of programming that is dynamically structured, interpreted, and high-level.

It is widely used for backend development and uses an object-oriented approach. Python enables programmers to execute jobs with fewer lines of code and even includes a simple syntax to work with and develop. It provides easy upkeep and corrects faults in a matter of a few minutes.

Best applications built with Python – Google, Facebook, Amazon, Quora, Shopify, etc. 

Python V/s NodeJS – Let’s find out the best one! 

Efficiency 

Node.JS

The efficiency of the Node.js framework is significant because the V8 engine processes JavaScript code in Node.js. Node.js executes code outside of a web browser. As a result, the application runs faster and uses fewer resources.

Node.js provides a non-blocking event-driven design that simultaneously permits several requests, speeding up code deployment and making web programs more accessible.

Python

JavaScript and Python are both interpreted programs that are comparatively slower than compiled programming languages like Java. In this scenario, Node.js succeeds because python, unlike Node.JS, is a single-flow language, which means it process requests slowly.

As a result, Python is not a superior choice for applications that prioritize quality and speed or that require a large number of difficult calculations. As a result, Node.JS apps outperform Python. 

Winner – This round surely goes to Node.js because of its faster execution and solving difficult queries seamlessly. 

Libraries

NodeJS 

The node package manager manages libraries and packages in Node.js. Node JS libraries contain around 1.3 million well-documented and simple-to-use libraries, making it one of the world’s largest package repositories. NPM is simple to understand, well-documented, and quick to use.

Note – As per Stack Overflow survey 2020, node.js grabs the first spot, which has the best libraries and tools. 

(Add this above note in a separate box to stand out)

Python 

For Python libraries and packages, Pip is the standard package handler. “Python Installs Packages” is the acronym for “Pip.” It includes around 220K packages for computer science, image analysis, computations, and other topics.

As per industry standards, Python libraries are well-documented and straightforward to deploy.

Winner – So, when it comes to libraries, both programming languages come out on top and earn a point.

Architecture 

NodeJS 

To manage several clients at once, Node.js employs a single-threaded event loop approach. It executes tasks faster because it employs fewer threads and requires fewer resources overall.

Node.js has a non-blocking feature that helps in managing thousands of concurrent connections with utmost ease.

Python 

Python differs from Node.js in terms of how it works. To begin with, Python does not immediately transform its code to machine code. Conversely, it compiles the code into byte code, which is then transformed into machine code with the help of an interpreter.

Also, Python does not support multi-threading. However, with packages like asyncio, you may create asynchronous and event-driven apps.

Winner – This round goes to Node.js because of its more receptive and favorable architecture.

Community 

Node.js

The Node.js framework community is one of the most active communities in the world. The community has created a variety of tutorials, movies, and components for the community’s use.

NPM is home to over a million packages, all of which are maintained by the community. Also, the chances are that if you’re stuck on an issue, someone has already resolved it and posted the solution on Stack Overflow.

Python

Python has a sizable community of developers, with millions of users. It has a larger community than Node.js because it is an older language.

The Python online community includes wonderful learning resources as well as PyCon conferences that take place all over the world.

Another benefit of having such a large community is the ease to hire a python developer.

Winner – Python, being the elder of the two languages, has a larger user base. So, python wins this round.

Scalability 

Node.js

Node.js framework has a lot of scalabilities because it allows multi-threading and has a cluster component that can manage all the machine’s processing capacity. Developers can expand their programs horizontally and vertically with Node.js by incorporating more resources and new nodes into the ecosystem.

Python 

Python, on the other hand, could not provide sufficient scaling support due to a variety of issues. Python is a slower programming language since it interprets text at runtime. 

Even though Python supports multi-threading, GIL prohibits many tasks from being executed simultaneously. This is because of the built-in lock which restricts the running of many processes at the same time.

Winner – Node.js is unquestionably more scalable than Python because of its versatility and ease of use.

Syntax 

Nodejs

The syntax is a matter of personal preference, and it is fully reliant on the experience of the users and we can never judge a user’s interests. 

The primary point is that Node.js syntax is quite close to JavaScript. So, programmers with prior knowledge of JavaScript can easily understand Nodejs.

Python

Python’s syntax is one of its strongest features. In comparison to Node.js, developers prefer to write fewer lines of code in Python. Python’s syntax is simpler and does not use curly brackets. This simplifies Python code and debugging. 

Python’s syntax is so simple to understand that even when you hire a python developer with basic technical knowledge can understand it.

Winner – It’s a no-brainer to use Node.js if you’re already comfortable with JavaScript. Python is a good place to start if you’re new to programming. So, let your requirements guide your decision!

When to use the Node.js framework?

Node.js is a runtime environment for programs that demand an ongoing connection between both the server and the browser-side interface.

Ranking the app’s real-time functionality is an easy alternative to think about the necessity for Node.js in the app. If the app’s usefulness depends on real-time data transfer, Node.js is the way to go.

Use Nodejs in the following circumstances – 

• Chatbots and messengers
• IoT solutions 
• Single-page apps (SPA)
• Streaming applications 
• Gaming platforms 

When to use Python?

Python has a large pool of talent, in part due to its simple syntax. It’s no wonder that Google and Facebook, two of the major technology talent buyers, employ Python significantly in their development efforts.

The Python interpreter is in charge of executing the code, and it is extremely efficient. Python is suitable for rapid installation and revisions because it does not require compilation.

Use python in the following circumstances – 

• Progressive web applications (PWAs)
• Data visualization 
• Artificial intelligence & Machine learning
• Voice and facial recognition functionalities 
• Data Science 

Node.js V/s Python – Who wins?

We hope this post has helped you understand everything about python V/s Nodejs. It will now be much simpler for you to select the best solution for your next project.

Each software project has its own set of standards and demands, which you should consider while choosing a technology. A language that works well for one project may not work well for another.

So, consider all your project requirements and then make a decision. 

Apart from choosing the right technology, you also need to hire a python developer or node.js developer that suffices your requirements and delivers you the best results. 

Also, if you have any queries or questions regarding this blog, you can surely ask us and we would love to help you!