Node.js vs Python - How to Select the Right One for Your Project?

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By: Manish Shewaramani

Node.js vs Python - How to Select the Right One for Your Project?

We love Node.js.

And if you’ve been following our blogs, then you know that it’s true.

Talking about Node.js vs Python, selection of the backend technology is one of the main issues that must be resolved before starting any web app development project.

It’s mainly because when building a web app, it’s seldom that you can apply the same solution for different problems.

In simple words, each web app has its own unique requirements, so what works for a specific web app might not work for other web apps.

Moreover, since there are so many technologies and frameworks to choose from these days, we cannot help ourselves but share how to pick the right backend technology between Node.js Vs Python.

That being said, let’s go through the basics first before we get into the detailed comparison.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that’s designed to build fast, scalable, and dynamic web applications.

Node.js was first introduced in 2009 by Ryan Dahl and it is highly-efficient to use due to its single-threaded event callback mechanism.

Simply put, it’s a modern backend technology that comes with fewer dependencies and is very simple to learn for beginners.

What is Python?

Python was first introduced in 1991, way before Node.js.

Python is basically a high-level backend programming language that’s popular for building highly portable applications for both web and mobile.

Simply put, it’s a clean, multi-purpose backend programming language that has recently gained huge traction among web developers.

Talking about the difference between Node.js vs Python, here’s the main clarification you need to know before anything.

Python is a programming language, while Node.js is not.

Node.js uses JavaScript for writing code and the main difference between the two is that when you use Node.js, you can basically use the same programming language (JavaScript) for both backend as well as for frontend development.

Node.js vs Python – Detailed Comparison

Now that the basics are clarified, it’s time we start the detailed comparison of Node.js vs Python.

Let’s start with scalability.

1. Scalability

Whenever we build an app, it’s an obvious expectation that users use the app in a hassle-free way. Scalability helps you with exactly achieving this.

Scalability is about an app’s ability to respond to multiple different requests seamlessly within no time.

In simple words, a scalable app is highly proficient to assist a huge number of users at the same time without affecting the performance.

Node.js

Salalbility is quite easy to achieve with Node.js as it allows developers to build asynchronous architecture in one thread. An app, that is written in Node.js code and has the asynchronous architecture, ensures seamless scalability.

With the help of Node.js, simple web applications can be developed with complete assurance of scalability.

To achieve scalability in the highly dynamic and complex web apps, you need to hire skilled Node.js developers who have extensive knowledge of the technology.

Python

On the other side, Python does not support the asynchronous architecture so the technology is not as scalable as Node.js.

However, Python provides a set of tools that can be used to achieve scalability.

Node.js vs Python Result for Scalability

Being highly scalable compared to Python, Node.js clearly wins a point here.

2. Learning Curve

Learning curve is about measuring the web app developers’ capabilities for writing code in a specific language or framework. It presents programmers’ fluency in syntax and tools.

Node.js

For all the JavaScript developers, it is quite easy to learn the Node.js framework. Due to its short learning curve, technology is highly preferred and widely used by the developer community.

Learning Curve of Node.js

Image Source: StackOverflow

According to the StackOverflow, Node.js hols the first position with 49.9% in the list of most famous frameworks.

Python

If we talk about Python, it is not written in a popular language like Node.js. Also, the syntax of the technology is unknown to Python engineers.

The best part of Python is, it allows to write cleaner and compact code. Thus, coders from other technologies can write the code easily in a few lines.

Another interesting fact about the programming language is some code lines of it helps developers to achieve the same output as Node.js.

Python is a comparatively older technology than Node.js so there is plenty of documentation available for software engineers. Hence, you won’t run short of knowledge especially when it comes to Python.

Learning Curve Python

Image Credit: StackOverflow

According to a survey conducted by StackOverflow, Python ranks high with 41.7% amongst the other programming languages. Being a simple, efficient, and accurate programming language, it is the prime preference of full-stack developers.

Node.js vs Python Result for Learning Curve

Python has a shorter learning curve than Node.js. THusm here Pthin will earn a point in this battle.

3. Syntax

Syntax is a matter of personal preference. If you consider one syntax better and the others worse, then be ready for a lot of criticism and skepticism.

Node.js

The syntax os Node.js is very similar to the browser’s JavaScript. If you have a profound knowledge of JavaScript, you won’t face any difficulties in creating syntax for Node.js.

Python

In the case of Python, syntax is the major advantage as software engineers do not need to write a lot of code lines, unlike Node.js.

Python syntax is free from the curly brackets and quite easy to understand. Compared to Node.js, Python code is quite easy to read and debug.

If your client has a tech background, he/she can read and understand the code easily.

Node.js vs Python Result for Syntax

As Python enables developers with easy to read and understood code, it clearly wins over the Node.js.

4. Architecture

Node.js

Having an event-driven environment, Node.js provides asynchronous input and output. In the Node.js architecture, a defined process is called as soon as the respective event happens. Thus, there is no any hindrance in the thread.

Due to the event-driven architecture, Node.js is a highly preferred technology framework to build chat apps and web games.

Python

Python consists of a set of special tools that allows web developers to bulls synchronous and event-driven apps.

The programming language provides modules like asyncio to write asynchronous code as it would be written n Node.js.

However, this library is not developers in most of the Python frameworks and it requires to perform some extra activities.

Node.js vs Python Result for Architecture

Node.js earns more points than Pythos as it provides event-driven architecture.

5. Performance & Speed

Node.js

Performance and speed of Node.sj depend on force aspects.

V8 Engine:

Performance of Node.js is remarkable as the JavaScript code in node.js is interpreted with the V8 engine.

Coding outside the browser:

Furthermore, to develop performance-driven and resource-efficient apps, the framework has the ability to apply code outside the web browser. The framework allows to use features like TCP sockets that cannot be used in a browser.

Architecture:

Node.js has an event-driven non-blocking architecture that is powerful to process several requests at the same time. This helps developers to accelerate the code execution.

Single Module Caching:

To make the app more responsive and reduce the loading time, Node.js uses a single mobile caching.

Python

Beng interpreted languages, both Python and JsvaScript are usually slower than compiled languages such as Java.

Node.js wins over the Python when it comes to performance. It is a single flow programming language that processes requests much more slowly.

So, if you want to build a web application with high speed and performance, you should not go with Python.

Node.js vs Python Result for Performance and Speed

Undoubtedly, Node.js is the right choice to build high performing web applications.

6. Libraries

Node.js

Node.js managed its libraries and packages in NPM, the Node Package Manager. This is one r the biggest repository of software libraries. NPM is well documented, easy to learn, and quick for working with.

Python

Python managed its packers and libraries in Pip. It stands for “Pip installs Python”. Pip is easy to use, reliable and fast as well it is quite easy for the software engineers to learn it and work with it.

Node.js vs Python Results for Libraries

Both the technologies get qual points when ti comes repository of libraries

7. Extensibility

Node.js

It is quite easy to extend, integrate, and customize the Node.js with different tools. The framework can be extended using built-in APIs for developing DNS or HTTP servers.

Developers can integrate Node.js with…

  • Babel for front end development with the browser or the old version of Node.
  • Log.io for project monitoring and bug fixing
  • Jasmin for unit testing
  • Migrat for data migration
  • PM2 for process management
  • Webpack for module bundling

To extend the Node.js, you can integrate it with other frameworks such as Meteor, Nest, Hapi, Koa, Restify, Express, Fastify, and more.

Python

Invented in 1991, Python has created a lot of frameworks and development tools.

Python can be integrated with…

  • Sublime Text, a highly popular code editor, that provides some additional and advanced editing syntax and features extensions.
  • Robot framework for test automation

Ther are many robust web development frameworks such as Web2Py, Flask, CherryPy, Django, Pyramid, and more.

Node.js vs Python Result for Extensibility

Node.js and Python, both are easily extensible. So, both win here.

8. Community

Node.js

Node.js has an active and large community. It is a mature and open-source language with a huge user community. The platform is released almost before a decade and since then developers from across the globe love the technology.

If you are a business owner and looking for Node.js developers for your web application development, you can easily connect with skilled developers of the technology.

And, if you are a Node.js developer, you can completely rely on peer support.

Python

Python is an open-source and quite older technology then Node.js. So, it is obvious that it holds a large user community with an immense number of contributors who have different levels of experience.

Just like Node.js, Python facilities the business owner with highly skilled developers and programmers with robust community support to address theri development channels.

Node.js vs Python Result for Community

Both Node.js and Python have a huge community. So, both win in this case.

9. Error Handling

Node.js

When developers write lines of code, there are chances of errors. The feasibility and transparency are important in terms of a programming tool.

Node.js is excellent error management and has a good command in identifying exceptions that takes place at the time of code application.

Python

Python is more powerful than Node.js when it comes to troubleshooting of bugs and errors.

Node.js vs Python Result for Error Handling

Whether you choose Python or Node.js for your web application development, you will have access to a robust error management system. One more time, both technologies win here.

10. Universality

Node.js

Node.js is widely used for the back-end development of web applications. Developers can use JavaScript to create applications front-end. Thus, you can have the same programming language for your web app back-end and front-end.

Harnessing the potential of Node.js, you can not build desktop applications, hybrid mobile apps, IoT solutions, and more along with the web applications.

Being a cross-platform technology framework Node.js allows developers to build a single desktop application that works seamlessly on Mac, Linux, and Windows.

This directly impacts the project cost as the business owner needs to hire one team of developers who can build an app that runs smoothly on different platforms.

Python

Python is a full-stack technology so it can be used for both front end and back end development.

Also, Python is a cross-platform programming language. So, if developers write the program on Linux, it runs flawlessly on Mac.

Python is pre-installed in Mac and Linux, so you can directly use it on both of these Operating Systems. But, if you are a Windows user, then you need to install the Python interpreter by yourself.

Python is the perfect choice for web and desktop application development. However, when it comes to mobile computing, the technology performs slower. Thus, it is not preferable to build a mobile app using Python. As far as AI and IoT solutions concerns, Python’s popularity is growing immensely.

Node.js vs Phthin Result for Universality

Both technologies get equal points for universality.

11. Data and Memory Intensive Apps

Node.js

Node.js is probably the best framework of this time that allows to develop run-time data-incentive apps.

For instance, di you build an application with chat functionality, you can consider Node.js to develop such apps that manage queued inputs, data streaming, and proxy efficiency.

Additionally, Node.js provides high speed that makes it the right technology to build heavy traffic websites like eCommerce stores.

It also supports memory-intensive functionalities like developing applications using 3D graphics.

Python

Compared to Node.js, Python is slower in speed. So it is not the right option if you want to build real-time apps. It is recommended not to choose Python for your memory-intensive apps.

Node.js vs Python Result for Data and Memory Intensive Apps

Node.js is the clear winner when it comes to build data-driven and memory-intensive apps.

Node JS Vs Python – How to Make The Decision

So, now that we’ve gone through all important aspects, we can easily conclude that you should use Python or Node JS only for certain applications.

For instance, Node JS is the ideal choice for building real-time apps, content management, eCommerce, and heavy-load apps that depend on the speed of processing.

We have also written a blog on Node JS Use Cases and Companies that use Node JS in case you want to know more details about Node JS.

Python, on the other hand, is best when stability, easiness, and consistency are top priorities. The best real-life Python application examples include government projects, scientific solutions, and big data solutions to name a few.

Concluding Thoughts…

We took a different approach with this blog.

Unlike our other comparison blogs such as Node JS Vs Angular, Node JS Vs React, Node JS Vs PHP, and Node JS Vs Java, we decided that we’re not going to prove Node JS is better compared to Python.

Although, Node JS clearly has several advantages, but Python has also earned its top place in the web application development industry.

Therefore, we are leaving the ultimate decision between Node JS Vs Python up to you. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t hire Node JS developer to assess your project requirements. In fact, this is the best approach to figure out the right backend technology if you don’t have any technical background.

General FAQs for Node JS vs Python:

Which is better Node JS or Python?

It depends on the type of application you’re building. For example, if the performance of the app is the main priority, then Node is better than Python as it is built upon Chrome’s V8 engine. Python, on the other hand, is better if you’re building scientific applications or big data solutions.

Is Node JS faster than Python?

Node JS often runs faster than Python. However, Python allows developers to get the job done with fewer lines of code. So, the ultimate decision relies on the specific requirements of a project.

Is JavaScript better than Python?

While Python is good for building mobile apps since it’s slow in performance compared to JavaScript, but on a broader scale Python is a better-designed programming language than JavaScript, which makes it easier to maintain. Apart from this, Python also provides a huge standard library, while JavaScript has limited standard library.

Which framework is good for Python?

If you decide to use Python for your project, then the following frameworks will be highly useful:

  • Cherrypy
  • Django
  • TurboGears
  • Pylons
  • Flask



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