Python vs Node JS for web development

Now these days, Node.js and Python both are established solutions for server-side app development. Both programming languages are also designed to help you achieve the same end goals. As an app owner, you might be wondering which tool to choose for your next project. The choice will not be easy, and to make the final decision you should be aware of the advantages and limitations of Node and Python, and, more importantly, understand cases and types of applications where Node.js could be better than Python, and vice versa.

The question lies with which programming language you can choose to develop a project faster and efficiently. For that, you have to know the strengths of the languages and their differences.

Here we will describe and find the differences.

So, let’s discuss in detail and will see the ideal option for your projects.

Node JS

Node.js is a server-side platform built on Google Chrome's JavaScript Engine. It uses a non-blocking, event-driven I/O model. It allows developers to create data-intensive real-time applications that run across distributed devices. Its applications are written in JavaScript. It can be run on OS X, Microsoft Windows, and Linux operating systems. It is widely used to run real-time server applications.

Python

Python is an object-oriented, high level, dynamic and multipurpose programming language. Python's syntax and dynamic typing with interpreted nature, make it an ideal language for scripting. It supports multiple programming patterns, including object-oriented programming, functional programming, or procedural styles. Moreover, it an interpreted language which means it cannot convert to computer-readable code before it runs at runtime.

Python vs Node JS

• Node.js is very popular in the job market and growing day by day. It was initially released on 27 May 2009.

• The foundation of python was started in late 80's and released on December 1989. So, it is very older than Node.js.

• Node.js is much faster than Python.

• It is really fun to program in python. It also has many useful Language features like Generators, Decorators, Classes etc.

• Node.js is using by very big companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple etc.

• A developer who is working on a web project must have the knowledge of Node.js because sooner or later he will have to deal with node because many tools like module loaders, CSS preprocessors, template engines, etc. are made to run on the node.

• Python is an object-oriented, strongly typed, multipurpose programming language which can be easily mixed up with C, C++, and JAVA etc.

• Node.js supports callback. Its programming is based on event/callback which makes it faster but as well as harder to debug and maintain. On the other hand, Python doesn't support callback. It supports generators which makes it much simpler and concise.

• Node.js can be used for both client and server development.

• Python is also using by a lot of internet companies now a day i.e. Quora, Nextdoor, Youtube, Pinterest, Slideshare, Apture, Disqus, Mochi Media etc.

• Node.js uses non-blocking I/O throughout so, it is the best option for creating the real-time web application. For example: chat application. On the other hand, Python is the best option for creating CRUD based web applications.

• Node.js is well suited for asynchronous programming. But, Python is not exactly the best option for asynchronous programming.

• Python allows low-level modules inclusion to the Python interpreter. These modules allow programmers to add or customize their tools.

• Python offers high-level dynamic data types and supports dynamic type checking.

• Node.js lacks the clean coding standards. That's why it cannot be recommended for larger projects. On the other hand, Python is ideal for a large project as it can do anything that can be done using PHP code.

• Node.js is an ideal platform available right now to deal with real-time web applications. In contrast, Python is not an ideal platform to deal with real-time web applications.

• Python is suited for developing larger projects. On the other side, Node JS is best suited for small projects.

• Node JS is best for memory intensive activities. But, Python is not advisable for memory intensive activities.

• Node.js utilizes JavaScript interpreter. And, Python using PyPy as Interpreter.

• The Python community does not have an equivalent mechanism for experimenting with DSLs, which makes it more difficult to express UI code in Python compared to Javascript and Node.js.

• Python is an ideal platform to do multiple things - web applications, integration with back-end applications, numerical computations, machine learning, and network programming.

• Node.js is a better choice if your focus is on web applications and website development.

 

When choosing between Python and Node.js, you should definitely consider the speed of development, the need for scalability, and your application’s type. If your requirement is the fast development of CPU-heavy applications or the development of IoT backend, go for Python. Conversely, choose Node.js if you are thinking about RTAs, SPAs, and other I/O heavy solutions.

Let us know which one is compatible with your projects. You can share your choice with us in the comment section. Thank you!