Node.js and Python have extensively discussed programming languages when it comes to back-end development. In this blog, we will discover the various features of Node.js and Python, and determine how the two differ from each other so you can choose the right technology for your next project.
What is Node.js?
Based on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript Engine, Node.js is an open-sourced server-side platform written in C++. Thanks to V8′ optimized performance and fast speed, Node.js is able to compile JavaScript-based functions to machine code in a relatively well-organized manner.
Unlike Python, it is not a programming language but has a built-in Javascript predictor, and optimizers and compilers. Node.js works on an event-driven I/O model that helps developers in the creation of data-oriented real-time applications written in JavaScript.
It was imaginary by Ryan Dahl in 2009 to be used in Google Chrome. Node.js is well-matched with Mac OS X, Microsoft’s Windows, and Linux operating systems. It is better right for web applications and web development. Data streaming applications, JSON APIs based applications and Data concentrated Real-time Applications (DIRT) are some of the most appropriate applications for Node.js.
Node.js Features
- It runs on a non-blocking Javascript-based model that is single threaded and has event looping benefits for the server.
- Google’s high speed and presentation V8 JavaScript Engine equips Node.js with the fastest code implementation library.
- Node.js eliminates the need for buffering as the output data is segmented in pieces.
What is Python?
Python is a high level, interpreted popular programming language that is extensively used in backend development. It is an object-oriented, versatile language that supports lively typing, making it faster, dependable and simpler to use. Python’s close to human language syntax makes it an ideal language for scripting.
It was imaginary by Guido van Rossum in 1991 and primarily runs Google’s App Engine. Since Python is an interpreted language, its execution takes longer but these results in a faster and well-organized development process. Python supports functional programming, Object Oriented Programming as well as procedural programming.
Python Features
- It is an open sourced language and has the largest community of all programming languages
- Python has wide libraries for analysis, testing, etc that make writing codes using it competent and faster
- Python can be included with C#, Java, COM, ActiveX, and several other programming languages
- Python code is not made computer-readable code at runtime. It is interpreted
- Multiple programming patterns are possible with Python
- Python’s predictor can include low-level modules that facilitate customization of tools.
- Python is the leading language for back-end development, performing numerical calculations and implementing machine learning. Learn more about Python.
What are the major differences between Node.js and Python?
| Architecture | |
| Although Python is not event-driven or asynchronous, it can be made so with the help of additional tools like asyncio. | Node.js is event-driven and supports asynchronous programming. This also means it is a non-blocking model where no process gets blocked and is called immediately as the event occurs. |
| Performance and Speed | |
| Since Python is a single-flow interpreted language that supports dynamic typing, the execution is much slower in comparison. | Node.js code is interpreted by V8, known for its high speed, and is executed outside the web browser, its performance is faster and more efficient. Also, since Node.js is non-blocking and even driven, and is cache-enabled, this facilitates faster execution. |
| Syntax | |
| Python is as close to regular English language as possible which makes it simple to understand and learn. It also needs fewer lines of codes. | Node.js syntax is not very unlike Javascript. While it isn’t tough, Python’s syntax offers unmatched simplicity and readability. |
| Project Size | |
| Python is suitable for larger projects since its scripting is far more efficient. | Node.js is recommended for smaller projects. |
| Interpreter | |
| Python uses PyPy. | It uses Javascript as its interpreter. |
| Extensibility | |
| Python can be integrated with development tools and frameworks like Django, Flask, Pyramid, Web2Py, or CherryPy. | Node.js is highly extensible. It can be customised and integrated with a variety of tools such as Babel, Jasmine, Log.io, Migrat, PM2, Webpack, etc. |
| Usage | |
| Python is most suitable for web (backend) development; it is the ideal framework for machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data solutions, government projects and data analysis. | Because of Node.js’ event-based model, it is best suited for providing IoT solutions, creating real-time chatbots and messengers, and building single-page apps. |
Similarities between Node.js and Python
While there are several differences between Node.js and Python, the two frameworks also share some similarities.
- Node.js is packed with one of the largest software library repository that is managed by NPM (Node Package Manager)
Managed by Pip (Pip installs Python), Python packages and libraries are also extensive. They are extremely fast and easy to use.
- Both Node.js and Python can be used for back-end development and front-end development. They are also cross-platform frameworks, meaning an application or program written on one operating system will work on another as well.
- Both Node.js and Python are easy to learn. With a decent knowledge of Javascript, beginners can easily grasp Node.js. Also, since Python’s simplicity when it comes to its syntax makes it extremely easy to learn and understand. It also takes fewer lines of code.
- Both Python and Node.js have a large and active community of developers having varied levels of experience. Since Python is relatively older, its community is significantly larger than Node.js’. In any case, business owners and developers alike can benefit from these open-source platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there really are no winners when it comes to technologies. Both Python and Node.js have their respective strengths and weaknesses. It mainly depends on the project you’re working on and your preferences. Whichever technology you choose to go ahead with based on your requirements, will get the results you are looking for. We hope this helped!
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