NodeJS vs Python

When it comes to choosing the right programming language for the client’s project, selection is very critical. And this is why developers are often in a dilemma when they have to select the right backed technology between NodeJS and Python for their project. To clear out this dilemma, we will compare both of these popular technologies in detail which will help you to make a perfect decision. So, let’s go through this blog and make the right choice.

What is NodeJS?

NodeJS is a popular server-side platform created on the JavaScript Engine of Google Chrome. It uses an event-driven and non-blocking I/O model. The best practices of NodeJS enable the software developers to build data-intensive real-time apps that run on various distributed devices. The applications in NodeJS are written in JavaScript. These apps can run on various operating systems like Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux.

What is Python?

Python is a high-level, object-oriented, multipurpose, and dynamic programming language. The dynamic typing and syntax with interpreted nature make it an ideal language for scripting. It supports various software programming patterns like functional programming, object-oriented programming, or procedural styles.

Let’s Compare NodeJS and Python

Here’s the comparison between NodeJS and Python -

1.Architecture

NodeJS
NodeJS is a runtime environment that is designed to enable asynchronous input/output. As soon as an event occurs a certain process is called and this means that there is no process in the system that can break the thread. This makes the event-driven architecture of NodeJS perfect for the creation of web games and chat apps.

Python
On the other hand, Python is a programming language that is not designed that way. It can be used to create event-driven and asynchronous apps with the help of special development tools. There are modules like asyncio that make it possible for Python developers to write asynchronous code.

2.Performance & Speed

NodeJS
As NodeJS has JavaScript code in it and it is interpreted with the V8 engine, the performance of this runtime environment is remarkable. In addition to this, NodeJS enables the execution of the code outside the web browser and this makes the app more resource-efficient and performs better.

Python
Python is a single-flow programming language and its requests are processed very slowly. And as speed is a major factor for any complex application, Python is not always the first choice of the developers.

3.Syntax

NodeJS
The syntax is the most important thing and it is a matter of personal preference. The syntax of NodeJS is quite similar to the browser's JavaScript. So, if the developer is familiar with JavaScript, he can easily work with NodeJS.

Python
On the other hand, the syntax of Python is very simple and free from curly brackets. The developers only have to write fewer lines of code in comparison with NodeJS.

4.Scalability

NodeJS
NodeJS enables the developers to create a set of microservices and modules. And each of them can easily communicate with a lightweight mechanism. Besides, adding an extra microservice is also very flexible. In addition to this, scaling the NodeJS web application both vertically and horizontally is also easy.

Python
In Python, if the developer wants to scale an application, he needs to enable multithreading. But as Python doesn’t support multithreading, some libs can be used for multithreading. And even though there are multiple threads, GIL doesn’t allow Python interpreters to perform many tasks simultaneously. Only one thread is run at a time.

5.Extensibility

NodeJS
NodeJS is a runtime environment that can be easily extended, customized, and integrated with many different tools. This extension can be also done with the help of built-in APIs for creating DNS or HTTP servers. Besides this, it can be integrated with the help of a JS compiler known as Babel.

Python
Python is a programming language that was introduced in 1991, and throughout its history, this language has been used to create various frameworks and development tools. For instance, Sublime Text.

6.Libraries

NodeJS
In NodeJS some various packages and libraries are managed by NPM (Node Package Manager). It is an environment that comes with the biggest repositories of software development libraries.

Python
On the other hand, when it comes to Python, the packages and libraries are managed by Pip (Pip installs Python). Pip is easy to use, fast, and reliable which makes it easy for the developers to work with Python.

7.Universality

NodeJS
NodeJS is an environment that is predominantly used for back-end web app development. Yet, developers can use JavaScript for front-end development. Besides this, NodeJS enables the developers to create web apps, hybrid mobile apps & desktop apps, and cloud & IoT solutions.

Python

Python being a full-stack technology can be used by front-end and back-end development. It is a cross-platform technology which means that a program written on Mac can easily run on Linux. To make it work on Windows, you have to install the Python interpreter.

8.Learning curve

NodeJS
As NodeJS is a JavaScript-based platform, learning it can be very easy, especially for beginners. This means that as soon as you have the basic knowledge of JavaScript, learning or mastering NodeJS is very easy. All you need to do is install NodeJS and start working on it.

Python
On the other hand, when it comes to learning Python, the job is very simple, easy, and compact. Writing a function in the Python language only requires a few lines which is not the case with NodeJS. Besides, learning Python also teaches the developers how to indent their code properly. And this is because the language is whitespace and indentation sensitive.

9.Community

NodeJS
The community of NodeJS is large and active. Since the time of its release, developers of this community have grown like anything. Even beginners are attracted to this platform more.

Python
As Python is older than NodeJS and is open-sourced, the community has a huge number of contributors. The members of this community have different levels of experience. And with time, the number of contributors is increasing continuously.

10.Error Handling

NodeJS
NodeJS comes with a feature known as parallel-process running that can make finding errors and bugs an easy task.

Python
Python comes with simpler syntax than NodeJS but lacks parallel processes. Still scanning the code for errors and bugs is easy.

11.Apps it is best suitable for

NodeJS
NodeJS is a platform that comes with an event-based nature and this makes it perfect for apps where concurrent requests require to be controlled in real-time. This platform is used for real-time solutions such as:
Collaboration systems
Chatbots
Messengers
IoT implementations
Streaming platforms
Complicated single-page apps

Python
Python is a language that can be used for both small and large-scale projects, and this makes it popular amongst business owners. Some of the major domains that use Python are:
Data Visualization
Voice and Facial Recognition
Neural Networks
Image Processing
Machine Learning

Conclusion

As seen in this blog, when it comes to choosing between NodeJS and Python, it can be a bit tricky especially when the developers are trying to create a full-flagged product for the clients. The benefits and features of both Python and NodeJS are quite overwhelming and this is why developers remain in dilemma. But the above-listed points will help you make the right choice for creating the best solution for your client.