Node.js vs Python: Which backend technology to choose in 2021?
Building a successful web application is directly depend on the developers. Backend technology depends on the developer’s training and fluency in a particular technology like Node.js and Python. It can be a factor to choose the right backend technology but not be only one factor. There are other factors to note, like the nature of the project.
To get desired results, developers must have fluency in a particular language, and also it depends on a good environment, budget, project size, resources, team size, and time. It all determines the success of the project.
Node.JS and Python have widely used backend technologies. Both are popular in their specific specialty. Both are designed for different motives. Let’s have a look at both backend techs in some more detail.
What is Node.JS?
It is an open-source, cross-platform, and JavaScript runtime environment on the v8 engine. It executes code outside the web browser. It was released in 2009, and the current stable release is 15.11.0, released on March 3, 2021. It is scalable and brings good efficiency in development and Most developers use Node.js to use JavaScript for both server-side and client size.
What is Python?
It is a general-purpose and object-oriented programming language. It was developed in 1991. It is very good for faster application development. A high-level built-in data structure and dynamic typing make it very useful. It has lots of libraries, APIs, and other tools available.
It is the ideal programming language for most businesses required to develop a most different type of application.
Which one is more Popular? Node.JS or Python?
Here, if we focus on backend technology popularity, it is hard to think about which one to choose.
- The first factor is the company’s view. The development team has to figure out what is most suitable for them. If the team is trained and works well with a particular programming language, they can proceed.
- Node.js and Python create popular websites.
- Node.JS is preferred if the application is for industries like computer electronics, lifestyle, Arts, and entertainment.
- Python can be preferred for Engineering, science, and education.
Now, let’s talk about node.js and Python in depth.
Scalability: NODE.js vs. PYTHON
Scalability is the increment of in-app resources when needed. It is good to scale an app in the future for more flexibility, functionality, and features. But when you start to scale your application, the resource consumption also increases, and language/coding work also increases. Also, it may increase the application size.
NODE.js
It gives enough flexibility. It scales everything around it. It has microservices and modules that can run dynamically own processes. So, app scaling is possible by adding nodes to existing ones and expanding them.
PYTHON
It has some issues with threads. It has a global interpreter lock which does not allow the execution of several threads at once. You can not run a new process when the previous process is running or not finished because of this restriction. So, it is a drawback in terms of scaling. For project scalability, it is difficult for teams to manage code.
Learning curve: NODE.js vs. PYTHON
Both languages are not difficult to learn, but certain changes from one language to another are factors. The learning curve presents the efficiency of the programming environment to do some tasks in as few lines as possible. It is possible when the developer is properly experienced and knows the language deeply.
Node.js
If you already know JavaScript, then node.js is difficult for you. The learning curve is not that curved here. There are minor difficulties in installation and documentation because it is an event-driven programming language. But node.js is efficient, and it can develop scalable apps.
Python
It is universal, and it’s known for its easiness. In Python, codes are smaller when compared to node.js. Writing code in Python is simpler than other languages.
Architecture: NODE.js vs. PYTHON
It is a common practice to learn a framework. Node.js can handle multiple requests in a single thread, but Python uses “cpython.”
Node.js
It is a server-sided runtime environment with asynchronous programming. It means that the input and output function is not restricted. A parallel process can run in node.js. That makes deployment faster. Event-driven architecture makes node.js better.
Python
Python doesn’t support multi-threading and doesn’t provide functionality like node.js. you have to finish one process to start another. It makes Python a little difficult. There are tools to make asynchronous apps using Python. But it may increase work, and you may not get the synchronicity you needed.
Speed and Performance: Node.js vs. Python
Speed and overall performance in developing apps are the most important thing. Scaling an app, every instance of coding, and its efficiency helps in overall speed and performance.
Node.js
Node.js has non-blocking architecture. It makes execution very simple and faster. Also, it executes code outside the browser. In this way, the app will be faster on the web browser and performs better.
Python
It has no multi-threading; hence the multiple processes can not run at the same time. So it slows down overall processing speed. Another side, Python is easy to learn and easy to execute. But in the end not fast enough to get data from the server.
Dev Tools and Libraries: Node.js vs. Python
Libraries are the main factor in web app development technology. The growth increased in the last years because of libraries. Libraries help not to write code again and again. It applies to components, some plugins, UI, modules, and themes.
Node.js
It has a large library managed by a Node Package Manager. It has 350,000 packages.
Python
PIP manages Python’s library and installs packages. It has well-documented and easy to deploy libraries. But newer ones are less documented compared to older ones. So newer libraries are less reliable.
Community and support: Node.js vs. Python
A community is a group of developers worldwide who support fellow developers in problems and research on new projects.
Node.js
It has a large helpful community with experienced developers. It is very easy to get talent from this community.
Python
It also has a larger community. There are junior to senior level developers in the community. It is easy to find developers and solutions.
Error handling: Node.js vs. Python
A perfect code called when there are no errors inside it. It is best to choose a language that has good error handling capability.
Node.js
It has a parallel process running feature that can help find errors in code in a faster way.
Python
It lacks a parallel process feature. But it has a simpler syntax that helps to find bugs and errors.
When to use Node.js?
- Ideal for the apps which require a constant connection between server and browser-side
- If your apps need real-time data transmission capability, go for node.js
- If you need both server and clients side capability
- To make websites like Netflix, LinkedIn, Medium, Trello, and PayPal. Node.js is the ideal choice
When to use Python?
- It runs on uncomplicated syntax; it is an extensive availability of devs and easy to use. Google and Facebook use it.
- There are comparably more Python developers. So, there is more talent.
- It has very good documented large libraries that make it even more efficient and easy to use.
- It is easy to learn because of more popularity and lots of courses.
Conclusion
Choosing the right backend technology in 2021 depends on the programming language nature, team size, business environment, budget, timelines, developer’s experience and the project type. You can get an idea by seeing above listed topics. Choosing the best one is directly depends on you and the fundamental requirements of your project.
You can contact us at Latitude Technolabs to develop backend with Python or Node.js according to your requirements.
