Node.js vs Python — What to Choose in 2022?

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Arka Softwares
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Compare both the backend technologies to help you choose the best.

The popularity of backend technology plays a major role in developing any project. Most developers prefer Python and Node.js, which anyone can learn one at a time.

Developers mainly chose the backend technology based on their project’s programming language, technology stack, and environment.

As both technologies are really popular, people get confused about choosing one. However, both have different features and are built for different purposes. So, we cannot decide which clear winner here is. Node.js is a famous backend framework, while Python has become famous in front-end and back-end applications.

So, in this article, we will discuss Node.js vs Python in detail so that you can get a clear idea about everything. Furthermore, it will help you decide which one will be best suited for you.

What is Python?

Python is a high-level, open-source, object-oriented, and dynamic programming language. Its syntax and explained dynamic typing make it the ideal scripting language. It is considered to be the most famous language for machine learning.

It is also the second most famous language in the technical world. Guido Van Rossum first introduced it in the year 1991. However, it is mainly a programming language used by any web development company to develop several applications and websites.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a single-thread, open-source, and cross-platform runtime to build servers that are scalable and fast as well and network applications. The main aim of the programming language is to execute the JavaScript code outside the browser.

It can provide interaction with I/O devices via APIs and connect to external libraries written in other programming languages. It is a programming language that can be used in both client-side and server-side scripts.

It was first introduced by Ryan Dahl in 2009 and is a combination of JavaScript, C, and C++.

The Difference Between Node.js vs Python

We will now evaluate the difference between Node.js vs Python depending on several criteria. The criteria include speed, performance, scalability, universality, and error handling.

It will also include architecture, usability, extensibility, community, supported platforms, etc.

1. Scalability

  • If we talk about scalability, then Node.js gives you more flexibility to avoid a core. It has amazing scalability, and also it does support multi-threading facilities.
  • On the other hand, Python has very limited scalability as it does not allow multi-threading facilities because of its global interpreter lock. In addition, developers also face issues with code maintenance in case of scaling.

So, in the scalability part, Node.js is the best.

2. Performance and Speed

  • Node.js has the capability of fast processing as it has huge storage. As a result, it can process several requests at once in a very short period. So, the performance and speed of Node.js are very good.
  • Python, on the contrary, has a lower speed when it comes to processing requests. A backend comparison of Java vs Node.js vs Python reveals that Python is way slower in processing server-side operations.

So, here Node.js is the winner.

3. Architecture

  • Node.js is mainly based on non-blocking architecture. For this reason, it has the capability of fast and top-notch performance. Furthermore, it is event-driven and mainly consists of asynchronous architecture, which can handle several processes without issues.
  •  On the other hand, Python is not event-driven though its model does support asynchronous architecture. Here, you can handle only one process at a time. So, you need to finish one process, and then you can begin another one.

A web development company mostly prefers Node.js for this.

4. Universality

  • Node.js does perform well on this front because one can use it in both front and backend development. So whether it is websites, mobile applications, IoT solutions, or web applications, Node.js is a pro in it.
  • The simpler syntax of Python makes it appropriate for all types of projects, excluding the mobile app. Python is used more in cloud apps and IoT solutions by many python developers.

So, both of them are quite universal multi-purpose technology that can be used in several products.

5. Extensibility

They are equally very efficient when we talk about the extensibility of Node.js vs Python.

  • You can pair Node.js with Babel for a smoother front-end development. You also can work with other latest frameworks, such as Jasmine, for the unit-based testing and Log.io for managing projects.
  • Python also has amazing extensibility. It can also pair with several frameworks like Flask, Jango, Sublime Text, etc.

So, here we don’t have a clear winner as both of them have amazing extensibility with lots of frameworks.

6. Error Handling

Python and Node.js both are really good in error handling as well.

  • Node.js offers great performance with multi-threading support. In addition, Node.js’ parallel process running features of Node.js can make finding errors and bugs easy.
  • Python can troubleshoot and debug easily with the help of the options that can automatically help programmers squash those bugs very quickly.

In this part as well, they both are the winners.

7. Libraries

  • Node.js mainly has a well-documented and comprehensive library managed by the Node Package Manager. On the other hand, NPM has 350,000 packages, and for this reason, it is considered to be the largest repository of packages in the whole world.
  • Python mainly supports the PIP package manager. The libraries of Python are easy to deploy and are very well-documented as well.

So, any web development company will give equal scores to both of them when it comes to libraries.

8. Community

  • The community of Node.js is quite large, and it is also globally active, with skilled and experienced developers worldwide. Therefore, it is really easy to find talents in the circle of Node.js.
  • Python is one of the old programming languages globally and automatically has a larger community as well. The major advantage of a bigger community is that it is not difficult to find developers.

So, there is no such difference between Node.js and Python regarding the community.

9. Usability

  • When it comes to usability, then Node.js can be used in the deployment and development of any projects related to e-commerce, gaming, graphics, etc.
  • On the other hand, one can use Python for automation, testing, engineering, etc.

So, in this case, both of them are great in their regards.

10. Supported Platforms

  • Node.js has compatibility with several platforms like Mac, Linux, Android, Windows, etc. You can develop different applications as well.
  • Python has less flexibility in the department. So, it is mostly used for web application development and desktop.

Conclusion

Selecting between Node.js and Python can be challenging, especially when anyone wants to develop a full-flagged product. Of course, everyone wants to save their money, time, and resources, but they don’t want to lack scalability, speed, quality, and performance.

The debate of Node.js vs Python will never end as these are famous programming languages worldwide. They both have advantages and disadvantages. So, you have to decide what you need for your product, what type of service you are looking for, etc. After that, choose the right backend technology that will fit your needs.