Node.js vs Python: Which backend technology to choose in 2022?

Globally, Node.js and Python take the lead in popularity among backend technologies. Before we proceed further in this blog, you must understand the significant difference between Python and Node.js for backends. One of the top backend technologies is Node.js, a JavaScript-based platform for developing robust backends that use JavaScript. Yet Python is a language that has been around since 1991 and developers find it best suited to their needs. So, if you’re confused and wondering: Which is better, Node.js or Python, then read this blog to the end so you’ll find the answers.

What is Node.js?

The event-driven nature of Node.js makes it scalable and incredibly efficient. With its asynchronous nature, it can handle concurrent requests without causing I/O operations to slow down. Node.js is preferred for both client and server-side development by most development teams.

What is Python?

Conversely, Python is a complete, high-level, and object-oriented programming language. As a long-established system, it boasts a huge selection of libraries, APIs, and ancillary tools. There are several programming paradigms that work well with Python, and it is widely used in business applications.

Libraries, support platforms, and the community are widespread. It is therefore the ideal programming language for businesses that develop applications for a variety of unrelated and often uncorrelated purposes.

In order to maintain your budget and schedule for the launch of your next project, choosing the right technology stack is crucial. For web backend development, Node.js vs Python is the most frequently compared technology.

Node.js vs Python — A Comparison

1. Performance and Speed

The massive storage capacity of Node.js allows it to process data quickly. A number of simultaneous requests can be handled at the same time within a short timeframe. By contrast, Python processes request much more slowly. Therefore, Node.js performs better in terms of performance and speed.

2. Universality

Cross-platform functionality is inherent to the former, but not to the latter. Node.js has cross-platform functionality built into it, whereas Python does not. Python runs on various platforms via an interpreter.

These two technologies are extremely versatile and can be adapted to a variety of products.

Although Python is generally used to create desktop applications, there is one disadvantage: it is rarely used for smartphone applications. The two largest operating systems for mobile phones, Android and iOS, don’t support Python as an official language. Due to this, Node.js is preferred for mobile app backends over Python.

3. Architecture

Node.js is based on an event-driven, non-blocking architecture as previously discussed and is therefore capable of top-notch, fast performance. It has an asynchronous architecture that can handle multiple processes at a time without any bottlenecks.

Python comparatively is not event-driven. Its model supports asynchronous architecture. You have to finish one process first before beginning another in python. Our final verdict in architecture would hence give the benefit of the doubt to Node.js

4. Scalability

Its excellent scalability and multi-threading capabilities make Node.js an excellent choice for web development. Nevertheless, since Python’s global interpreter lock prevents multi-threading, its scalability is limited. Furthermore, there is a problem with maintaining code in Python when you scale the code. Therefore, we can safely say Node.js is the better choice when it comes to scalability.

5. Extensibility

Extensibility is a strength shared by both backend technologies. Python’s power lies in its extensibility, which works with a variety of frameworks including Jango, Flask, Sublime Text, etc. Node.js uses the latest new frameworks such as Log.io, Babel, and Jasmine. There’s no clear winner here because Node.js and Python are both equally good. Both offer a large number of choices for frameworks and services.

6. Libraries

The Python package manager, PIP, is compatible with Node.js, which supports the NPM package manager. Over 350,000 packages are available in NPM, making it one of the largest libraries in the world. There are plenty of libraries available for both backends, so you can choose whichever you prefer. Because of this, choosing one over the other in this area is difficult.

7. Error Handling

Regarding error handling, neither Node.js nor Python fails to impress. Python is excellent for debugging and troubleshooting with its own range of different options that can help developers squash those pesky bugs in no time. Node offers excellent performance with its multi-threading functionality while Python is suitable for debugging and troubleshooting. Hence, we conclude that Node.js and Python have an equal chance to handle errors.

8. Community

There can be no conclusion to the debate between Node.js and Python without addressing community support. Despite its small size, this still matters just as much as let’s say performance and speed.

Since Python is the older of the two technologies, it has a much larger community in this domain. As a community with roots dating back as far as 1991, Python can easily be accessed online if you get stuck while working on a project. As compared with Python, Node.js does not have a very large community.

9. Usability

How do Node.js and Python differ in their use cases? Python can be used for various purposes such as testing, automation, engineering, etc. Games, e-commerce, graphics, etc., can all be developed and deployed using Node.js. Therefore, over here both are good in their own right.

10. Notable companies

Among the companies that use either of these technologies, which are the most notable? The answer is a very interesting question, and you might be surprised to know that many famous platforms are powered by both Node.js and Python. PayPal, Netflix, and LinkedIn are among the companies that use Node.js. Google, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Spotify use Python.

11. Supported Platforms

Support and compatibility for Node.js on many platforms make it an excellent choice. In other words, it runs smoothly on Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, etc. You can develop a variety of applications using it, including cloud-based applications, hybrid applications, and IoT solutions. In contrast, Python is less flexible and is mostly used by full-stack developers for desktop and web applications.