NodeJS vs Python: The Great Backend Dilemma

Quick Overview: When it comes to backend development, Python and Node.js are the two most popular and demanding technologies. Due to their multiple benefits and functionalities, product owners generally find difficulty in choosing the right technology between NodeJS and Python. If you are in the same dilemma, this blog will help you choose the right tech stack for your project. You will also find advantages, disadvantages, features, and main differences between Python and NodeJS. Let’s read it now.

The server-side or backend of an application is the very backbone of the project, and the client-side runs on it. However pretty and responsive your frontend is, the application will fall flat on its face without a robust backend to hold it up.

This leads to an inevitable choice for every developer to pick one between the two connoisseurs of backend technology – Nodejs vs Python.

While PHP, Java, and C++ are the popular programming languages for server-side operations, those two have taken away the lion’s share of the market. In fact, you will get confused as well between Java vs Python while choosing for the right backend development. But how can you settle on the best-suited one for your app?

To make this choice easier for you, we have come up with a side-by-side comparison of Node JS and Python so that you're very clear with the instructions when you are looking for. Here are the key paradigms to go through:

Of course, you must note that Node is not really a programming language but simply a JavaScript runtime environment. In contrast, Python has been a tried and tested programming language with robust features for three decades now.

But before we dive into specifics, let’s take a breather and quickly understand what it is that we’re actually comparing.

A Brief on Python and NodeJS

Released in 2009 by Ryan Dahl, Node.js is a cross-platform, open-source JavaScript runtime environment. Developers majorly consider it as one of the top JavaScript frameworks for web development. It provides in-built optimizers, interpreters, and compilers and runs on Google’s powerful V8 engine.

Node.js is used to build scalable applications such as real-time data streaming apps, chat applications, and web servers.

Comparing NodeJS vs Python, Node.js is an open-source JS runtime environment used to build both client and server-side network apps, while Python is an object-oriented, high-level programming language.

NodeJS has a reputation for creating scalable and high-performance apps with its rich tech stack and robust ecosystem. It also stamps out the dilemma between client-side and server-side development, as Node is efficiently useful for both. Therefore, some of the fastest JavaScript frameworks like TezJS use Node.js for product development setup and to enable type-friendly environment variables management for both client-side and server-side. Probably, this is the reason why enterprises choose Node.js vs other backend technologies for large-scale complex application development projects.

On the other side of Nodejs vs Python, Python is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language. Created by Guido van Rossum in 1991, it offers an extensive set of libraries and packages to build dynamic web, mobile, and desktop apps.

It supports many programming standards and is very convenient in nature. As the creator said, the delight of Python is its short, readable, and concise classes that exhibit a lot of action. Unlike those fiddling codes, it doesn't bore the readers to death.

Key Differences: NodeJS vs Python

• The first version of Python was released in 1991, whereas Node.JS was released recently in 2009.
• Python is the second most popular programming language as per GitHub, while Node.js is an open-source environment for JavaScript, but not a programming language,
• Node is better and suitable for web app development like real-time apps and network apps, while Python is preferred for machine learning, data analysis, and scripting.
• Node.js is used to develop frontend and backend with a single unified stack, while Python is used for complex web projects like AI development, big data, automation and backend.
• Being a single-threaded architecture, NodeJS handles multiple requests at the same time with a single thread. Besides, Python supports “cpython” implementations with interchangeable code modules.
• While talking about Node.js vs Python, Node.js is faster due to JavaScript, whereas Python is very slow compared to compiled languages.
• Node.js is suitable for cross-platform applications, whereas Python is majorly used for web and desktop applications.

NodeJS vs Python: Performance and Speed

Starting with the primary feature asked of web and mobile apps - high performance and high speed. No matter what type of application software you have planned to create, these two factors have the capability to make or break your product.

Node.js

• With the help of event-driven, non-blocking architecture, Nodejs can process multiple requests at a time and speeds up code execution.
• Between Nodejs vs Python performance, Node allows you to code outside the web browser using TCP sockets, making it more resource-efficient.
• Node.js development enables caching of fetched data which is unlikely to change. This contributes to a higher speed than Python web development.
• Since you can run JavaScript code on the Google-invested V8 engine, NodeJS apps’ performance and responsiveness are remarkable.
• Here, Node.js 20 offers an experimental Permission Model, a stable test_runner, an updated v8 JavaScript engine to 11.3, Ada to 2.0, and many more. And the latest version – Node.js 21, presents a stable version of fetch API, experimental support for Websocket API, partial Navigator API implementation, updated V8 JavaScript engine – 11.8, and many more.

Python

• Python uses a single flow of code. Hence, it’s able to process requests comparatively slowly.
• Python has an innate architecture that restricts it from multithreading.
• If you want a quick recall of data from the server, Python can be a major letdown.
• It’s also not the best choice if you prioritize performance and speed in your app with complex calculations.

So, here’s the score after the first round of Python vs Node JS performance:

Node.js - 1

Python – 0

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NodeJS vs Python: Scalability

Scalability defines the linear growth of resources required with an increase in application functionalities. This should not be an afterthought- it should be a factor for choosing your backend language right from the get-go.

Node.js

• Node.js frameworks for app development facilitate multithreading via its asynchronous architecture, leading to easy scalability.
• Rather than a solid core like Python, Node.js uses microservices and a set of modules for its functionalities. Therefore, scaling the app would simply mean the addition of a few modules.
• Node allows you to scale both vertically (by adding new nodes to the system) and horizontally (by adding resources to the nodes).
• Regarding the Nodejs or Python question, Node gives you more options in terms of typing. You can choose strongly-typed TypeScript or weakly-typed JavaScript.

Python

• A major drawback of Python is its use of the Global Interpreter Lock, which does not support multi-threading. Though scalability can be increased with imported libraries, unfortunately, it cannot combat the innate scalability of Node.js.
• Python is dynamically-typed, meaning it’s not really a suitable programming language for large-scale projects with increasing development needs.
• As Python system grows, it also becomes difficult to maintain and unnecessarily complex.

Cleary, Node.js beats Python when it comes to scalability:

Node.js - 2

Python – 0

NodeJS vs Python: Universality

Universality denotes the number of different applications a programming language supports. It is quite difficult to judge which is "more universal," Python or Nodejs, as both have a vast number of use cases and can be helpful across many platforms.

Node.js

• One of the primary reasons behind the popularity of Node.js is the fact that it is a JavaScript tool. This allows you to craft both frontend and backend development with the same programming language. So, it turns out to be quite efficient in terms of resources.
• It has cross-platform functionality, and you can use the same desktop app on Mac. Linux and Windows OS.
• Nodejs has a wide range of use cases- web app, mobile app, and even cloud and IoT solutions. Hence, it becomes easy for you to build a versatile application that works across devices by partnering with one of the renowned NodeJS development companies, Radixweb.

Python

• Python is also quite universal in nature, as you can use it for both front-end and back-end development.
• It enables cross-platform usage as well. Linux and Mac come with pre-configured Python, but in the case of Windows, you will need to install a Python interpreter.
• Python would be the top choice for IoT and Natural Language Processing (AI and ML), but not so much for python mobile app development.

In view of the universality between Nodejs vs Python, both go neck to neck. Hene, both are the winners here.

Node.js - 3

Python – 1

NodeJS vs Python: Architecture

Architecture is another critical factor you should check before picking out your backend development technology. It’s basically the common approaches/practices to abide by the language or environment/framework.

Node.js:

• Node JS Architecture is event-driven. Both its input and output are asynchronous, facilitating a fast development process. Hence, it’s the top pick for chatbots and web games.
• Concurrent execution of multiple requests make it an ideal choice for applications working in real-time. Node.js real-time apps are more efficient and response.

Python

• Between Node JS and Python, Python is synchronous and, therefore, slow. So, if your project is something like a chatbot, you'd rather not pick this language. However, you can leverage the Python Asyncio library to run parallel processes.

• It is not event-driven. Again, you can make it event-driven using modules like CPython.

Due to Node.js’ asynchronous, event-driven, and non-blocking architecture, it would be fair to give it a point.

Node.js - 4

Python – 1

Python vs NodeJS: Extensibility

Extensibility refers to the ease of adding new features and functionalities to a language or framework. The more frameworks, data structures, and functions you can tack onto the base platform, the more robust your functionality is. Let's explore Node JS vs Python which is better concerning extensibility.

Node.js

The last few years have seen the rise of Node.js and its business benefits. As a result, every day, a new framework or tool pops up with Node as a base. Here are the ones most widely used.

• Babel - for frontend development
• Jasmin - for testing
• Log.io - for project management
• Webpack - for module binding

Python

Great extensibility with a lot of frameworks for web development make Python such a rage for backend development.

• Robot - for acceptance level testing
• Flask – for web development
• Web2py - for agile development of data-driven web apps
• Django - for backend development

Both Node JS and Python perform well in extensibility. So, it would be fair to give each one point.

Node.js - 5

Python – 2

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Python vs NodeJS: Libraries and Tools

Libraries are a major help in web design and development. Most websites have thousands of lines of code, and developers would prefer to choose a language that would have libraries. This way, they can reduce the burden as code reusability would be the key to time-efficient development.

When comparing Node JS with Python, Node has been around for just over 12 years and Python for 3 long decades. So, does Python have more libraries and documentation? Let’s check.

Node.js

• The library and package manager of Node.js is NPM. Installing NPM and NodeJS on Windows and Mac can help you build scalable apps in one go.
• With 350,000 packages, NPM is the biggest repository on the web.
• Documentation on Node.js is huge simply because of its popularity. This majorly helps the developer by creating a smooth learning curve for the language.

Python

• PIP (Pips installs Python) is the library and package manager of Python.
• Developers find it very easy, reliable, and fast to work with PIP.
• PIP has vast documentation and several libraries, making it a favorite for developers, along with clean, compact code. However, you should keep in mind that not all of the newer frameworks have that much documentation.

Again, both technologies get a point in this round of Nodejs vs Python.

Node.js - 6

Python – 3

Python vs NodeJS: Learning Curve and Syntax

A learning curve in software development represents the relationship between how a learner has performed in a task and the amount of time they have taken to complete that. Syntax is the ability of the framework/language to run a group of functions using as little code as possible.

So, which technology offers a leaner learning curve and syntax than the other?

Node.js

• As NodeJS is a JavaScript-based environment, mastering it shouldn't be an issue for anyone familiar with JavaScript.
• Although certain topics can take a bit more time, such as the event-driven architecture, those advanced functionalities have a great impact on your app performance. Thus, it’s worth the effort.
• Node.js has a low entry threshold which means there are lots of incompetent developers. But if you know the tips for hiring a competent Nodejs development team, you can easily mitigate this problem.

Python

• If you don’t have any JavaScript knowledge and must pick what to learn, Nodejs or Python, starting with the latter is a better option as Python is easier to learn.
• Python takes fewer code lines for writing a particular function. The codes are also easy to read and debug. And unlike JavaScript, it does not have curly brackets.
• Since it’s a whitespace and indentation-sensitive language, learning Python can also teach your developers how to indent the code accurately.

In the end, between Python and NodeJS, Python is easier to learn and understand for newbie developers. Hence, it wins a point here.

Node.js - 6

Python – 4

NodeJS vs Python: Error Handling

Robust error handling has two major benefits – it offers clean code for the team to read and debug, and it provides a better user experience for customers.

So, where do Python and Node.js stand in that department?

Node.js

• The multithreading abilities of Node JS help with high performance, but since it processes multiple requests simultaneously, runtime exceptions occur often, and errors can be difficult to handle.

Python:

• Python supports strong troubleshooting with clean and compact code. Additionally, Python’s lack of parallel processing ability makes debugging much easier.

Whether you’re using Node.js, Python, or any other technology, clean code is eye candy. Hence, Python gets a significant edge over NodeJS here.

Node.js - 6

Python – 5

NodeJS vs Python: Community

Community holds great importance in deciding which language is best for backend web development. Community members and developers actively update the existing web development tools, run debugging operations, and even release brand new features. Let's have a look at how Node.js and Python score in terms of community support.

Node.js

• Though it is not as ancient as Python, Node.js has a large community since it is open-source. Thus, you can always fall back on the community for some support.
• As a developer, you can easily find peer support, and as a business owner, you can always rely on Node.js developers.

Python

• Python is a veteran language, and therefore, has a larger community of experienced developers.
• Since anyone can benefit from the supportive community, Python gives you the privilege to hire dedicated developers and boost your business by using it.

Community is the area where both Node js and Python stand on equal pedestals. Both the languages have an avid following and a huge community, such that it is never very difficult to find help!

Node.js - 7

Python – 6

NodeJS vs Python: Use Cases

Python and Node.js have very specific use cases. According to a Stack Overflow survey 2022, NodeJS is the most common web technology, while Python is the fourth most commonly used programming language.

Since Node.js is co-related with JavaScript, JavaScript is the most frequently cited language in US and Canada in 93% of cases. The next language is Python, with 37%.

So, going by their pros and cons, we have curated a list of use cases to make this decision seem easier when you go into a project.

Node.js

Node.js development is the route for you if your project is data-intensive or requires transmission of real-time information, as the data streaming efficiency is much better compared to Python. You can also use it for projects requiring heavy client-side functionalities and utilization of firm resources, such as:

• E-commerce stores
• Games and 3D Graphics
• Content Management Systems
• Chatbots

Some of the big names using Node.js for enterprise applications are Amazon, LinkedIn, Tumblr, PayPal, and Netflix.

Python:

In Nodejs vs Python, Python development has been around for a while, and the soaring popularity of this language speaks volumes about its concise code and functionalities. It may be slower than Node.js, but the robust troubleshooting, massive documentation, and large community of developers have made it a favorite among engineering students and science graduates for their projects. Some of the best uses cases of Python include:

• Big Data
• DevOps and Testing Automation
• Science and engineering
• Government technical projects

And here are some big names using Python: Nasa, Reddit, Facebook, Google, Pixar, and Spotify.

As you can see, whether you choose to use Python or Nodejs, both are distinctive in their own ways, with a sophisticated range of high-end use cases. So, both deserve a point in this round.

Node.js - 8

Python – 7

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Python vs Node JS for Backend, What Would You Choose? Let’s ConcludeGenerally, developers prefer to use Node.js with Fastify framework, along with JSON schemas and modular plugins. In fact, it helps you reduce documentation time, error handling, and data validation by covering most of the use cases. As a result, Node helps them focus on business logic instead of working on other activities, which consumes time.However, you should choose Node web development if you need a memory and data-intensive project which does not need too much code. It is designed in a way that small projects can make up a larger one, and no huge program needs to be written - just like nodes make up a tree.On the other hand, if you are gunning for a larger project with many integrations and calculations, Python’s clean code and syntax will be a life-saver.Node.js runs on the V8 JavaScript runtime engine and is written in C, C++, and JS, while Python mainly runs on Google’s App Engine.And as long as it’s about the 8-7 score, Node JS is marginally ahead of Python.But you will not be able to leverage either of these languages unless you look for a backend development company in earnest. It is of paramount importance that you rope in an experienced Python developer or a top-rated Node.js development company to make sure you have been able to extract as many functionalities as you could from these languages.With the right team and right backend language, you’re halfway to success already!